Law College Dehradun, organized Dr. R.S. Tolia State Level RTI Debate Competition - on the topic, "This House Believes That Right to Information Is Relevant to Democracy of India", in collaboration with Uttarakhand Information Commission on 4 October 2024. Former Principal Secretary and Chief Information Commissioner of the state, Mr. Shatrughan Singh was the chief guest, while the program was presided over by the President of the University, Mr Jitendra Joshi. Dr V P Joshi, Dr Paritosh Singh, Mr Pradeep Sati and Mr Arjun Singh were the judges.
The participants speaking in favor of the topic said that this law is one of the most powerful and progressive laws passed in India, while the participants speaking against the topic called it 'Tiger without Teeth'. The participants exemplarily presented their arguments with relevant data.
Chanakya Law College, Kumaon University emerged as the best institute, Adiba Ansari and Pratham Awasthi were the best English& Hindi speakers respectively. The best institute was awarded the rolling trophy and cash prize of Rs. 26,300/-.
In his address, Dean and Pro Vice- Chancellor Prof. Rajesh Bahuguna said that the RTI is an important weapon in the hands of the common man. Chief Information Commissioner (In charge) of the Uttarakhand Information Commission, Shri Vivek Sharma said that the RTI ensures transparency and accountability to the public. Chief Guest Shri Shatrughan Singh averred that RTI is a fundamental right and an integral part of democracy.
The programme was coordinated by ‘Aarambh’ The Debating Society of Law College Dehradun and the Principal of the college Prof. Poonam Rawat presented the vote of thanks. Commissioner Vipin Chandra, Information Commissioner Yogesh Bhatt, Secretary Arvind Kumar Pandey, Amit Chaudhary, Rajesh Naithani, C S Joshi, B C Papaney, Sarvesh Gupta, Saurav Kumar and students of LCD were present.
