An NGO [a charitable trust] constructed nearly 200 small houses in 2001 in Kutchh after earthquake for affected persons on no profit no loss basis. The project was funded by Govt. and houses were to be constructed as per govt. guidelines. In 2008 two house allotees filed consumer case against NGO and trustees for poor material and workmanship of houses and claimed damages of Rs. 3.00 lakhs each. NGO came to know that nearly 175 other allotees are preparing papers for filing cases each claiming Rs.3.00 lakhs. Trustees got frightened and their advocate was finding it difficult to prove use of govt. mandated material and workmanship. The leader of allotees was black mailing trustees and was prepared to settle for Rs.1.00 lakh per house.
I was contacted for help through RTI. I was informed that officers of Gandhidham Development Authority, Mamlatdar office and National Council for Cement and Building Materials, Haryana were visiting periodically for inspecting quality of construction. However all these three offices were not cooperating in providing inspection reports to NGO. I guided the NGO to file RTI applications and within 45/60 days we got certified photocopies of inspection report from all these offices pertaining to two houses of which cases were filed. Certificates revealed material and workmanship as per govt. prescribed rules for such construction. Recently both the cases were dismissed based on contents of certificates. Other allottees have now decided not to file cases. NGO got relieved of impending huge liability for noble help they provided to victims of earthquake. I am happy through RTI I could help NGO successfully resist false cases and blackmailing.
RTI does work.
21062010
No comments:
Post a Comment