Promoting RTI Awareness Among Tribal Women

Rapid Summary:

• Andhra Pradesh State RTI Commissioner Rehana Begum highlighted the Right to Information (RTI) Act as a meaningful tool for tribal communities to access information on government schemes, services, and entitlements.
• She encouraged Adivasi women to use the RTI Act, emphasizing its role in addressing challenges stemming from illiteracy and lack of access to information in tribal regions.
• Rehana Begum suggested training active and motivated women within these communities to promote awareness and resolve local issues using the RTI Act.
• A five-day virtual awareness program on the RTI Act was organized in Anakapalli district from July 14-18, 2025, by LibTech India and the United forum for RTI Campaign, Andhra Pradesh, partnering with voluntary organizations.
• Tribal women participants came from districts including Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Prakasam. Representatives from LibTech India (e.g., BDS Kishore) also attended.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The emphasis on using the Right to Information (RTI) Act for empowering tribal communities is a progressive step toward addressing gaps in awareness about public entitlements. By enabling Adivasi women-who frequently enough face compounded challenges related to literacy barriers-to navigate systems of governance with greater efficacy through informed questioning underscores how grassroots initiatives can create meaningful social change.

The collaboration between state authorities like Rehana Begum’s office and organizations such as LibTech India reflects an encouraging model of partnership aimed at inclusivity. While this event raises hopes for positive changes within targeted districts like Manyam or Prakasam due to localized efforts at capacity-building during programs spanning days extra