When the BPO call centers are buzzing with businesses in Gurgoan and Banglore, one new call center is humbly set out to create a revolution -- in a place which will probably come last to your mind in IT hotlist -- Patna.

This new call center, unlike others centers, which are supporting foreign businesses, will be serving ordinary citizens of Bihar. Aptly named "Jankari", this call center will help rural population of Bihar to file Right To Information [RTI] applications and get their necessary information from all Government departments of Bihar.

In this situation, Bihar Government, committed to promote RTI among common man has introduced this novel idea of RTI call center. Jankari, as it is called, is like any call center, where professionals will be available from 9 AM to 6 PM to take calls on two different lines: 1. Information line and 2. Application line. While the people can use the Information line - free of cost -- to ask any general questions on RTI, Application line can be used to file a RTI application, with a cost of Rs.10, which is added to the telephone bill of the applicant.

This novel program created in Partnership with Parivartan, lead by Arvind Kejriwal, is very unique. Advantage for the common man in using this facility is that he need not only know how and where to file his application but also not have writing abilities. A wonderful awareness video created by Manish Sisodia, Vaibhav and rest of the team, shows a 'Aam Aadmi' from rural village of Bihar calling to explain that his ration card has not been issued for over 6 months; Call center professional explains him that she could help him in filing a RTI application to the Public Information Officer [PIO] of the respective department. She gets his basic details like Name, address and the questions he wants to ask and drafts the application in the computer. She later sends the application directly to the PIO and also sends a copy of the application to the applicant. RTI application fees of Rs.10 is already charged along with the phone bill of the applicant, which also saves significant effort for the applicant in making a Demand Draft or Money Order.

Applicant receives his reply directly from the PIO within 30 days of applying or else he can call the Jankari again to file his first appeal.

When the video was shown in the inauguration function of Jankari, presided by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is also the prime mover behind this idea, it received a huge ovation and warm reception from the audience. Arvind Kejriwal and the Parivartan team, the brain behind this idea, was facilitated by the Bihar Government for providing plans and logistical support to Jankari. Arvind, during his speech, called for continued support for the RTI efforts from the Government and requested people's movement to take this idea to every rural village. He also mentioned the importance of State Information commission's role in this Information revolution. CM Nitish Kumar praised the power of RTI to help common man and requested bureaucracy to act sincerely in providing information and help to the people. He also warned strict action against erring officials and promised continuous support to RTI efforts.

Parivartan, MKSS and Asha India along with 30 different NGOs in Bihar have started 2 weeks campaign in different districts of Bihar to create awareness on RTI/ Jankari and will encourage rural population to file RTI. This campaign carries huge significance at this time and will strengthen people's Right to Information.

When the wonderful initiative is still sinking in me, I saw some interesting conversation among the audience - Government officials were distributing booklets with information on RTI and Jankari to people at the end of the function and they didn't have enough to give to the entire crowd; Everyone wanted his/her own copy and were rushing to get one but were disappointed by not getting their copy. One man shouted that he is going to file a RTI application to find out how many books were printed for the function, how many were distributed and where is the rest. Other men started shouting on where else they are going to use RTI.

RTI started to reach the common man already? , I wondered, and left the function with new found hope and enthusiasm.

- Somu Kumar volunteers with AID and works to support RTI in India