Research needed on RTI usage

A quick look at the implementation of the Right to Information Act (RTI) so far conveys mixed messages. The disappointment has been particularly on three fronts. Firstly, the political leadership and the political parties by and large have done nothing so far to give a push to the Act, as if doing so would adversely affect them.
Both at the Centre and in most States, governments have done little to create much needed awareness among large sections of the people and to help open an important window of the Act – suo motu obligations, maintenance of records, and management. Thirdly, the Information Commission in the States have yet to demonstrate proactive initiatives.
The RTI Act is a means, not an end, for change, equity, activism, citizen participation and good governance. The better RTI is implemented, the better it is for everyone, including for those in the system – contrary to what they think. Their credibility and respect in the society will go up. This is even more so for the news media as an institution and for the journalists individually. They can play a more proactive and positive role – irrespective of seniority in the profession – and increase their viewership or circulation.