Write a short note on Role of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan in evolution of Right to Information.

The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) has played a pivotal role in the evolution and advocacy of the Right to Information (RTI) in India. Founded in 1990 by social activists Aruna Roy, Shankar Singh, and Nikhil Dey, MKSS emerged as a grassroots movement advocating for the rights of workers and farmers in the rural areas of Rajasthan. However, its impact transcended regional boundaries and sparked a national conversation on transparency and accountability in governance.

MKSS recognized that access to information was crucial for empowering marginalized communities and holding government institutions accountable. In pursuit of this goal, MKSS pioneered the demand for a legal framework that would grant citizens the right to access government records and information. They believed that transparency in government functioning was essential for combating corruption, ensuring the effective delivery of public services, and empowering citizens to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

One of the most significant contributions of MKSS to the evolution of the Right to Information was its campaign for the enactment of legislation guaranteeing the right to access information. Through grassroots mobilization, awareness campaigns, public demonstrations, and advocacy efforts, MKSS galvanized support for the RTI movement across India. They engaged with communities, civil society organizations, media outlets, and policymakers to build momentum and pressure the government to pass RTI legislation.

MKSS's advocacy efforts culminated in the passage of the Right to Information Act in 2005, which revolutionized transparency and accountability in India. The RTI Act empowered citizens to request information from government authorities, making government processes more transparent and accountable. MKSS's grassroots activism and advocacy were instrumental in shaping the provisions of the RTI Act and ensuring its effective implementation.

Furthermore, MKSS continued to play a crucial role in promoting awareness about the RTI Act, facilitating its implementation, and advocating for its strengthening. Through capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and public campaigns, MKSS empowered citizens to exercise their right to information and hold government institutions accountable for their actions.

In summary, the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan has been instrumental in the evolution of the Right to Information in India. Through its grassroots activism, advocacy efforts, and commitment to social justice, MKSS has helped transform transparency and accountability in governance, empowering citizens to demand their right to access information and participate actively in democratic processes.