Believing in the need for enhanced transparency and accountability in our governance process and public administration, the Foundation for Democratic Reforms and Loksatta extensively carried out campaigns for the same in various districts of Andhra Pradesh between the years 2002-2003. Over one and a half lakhs postcards were sent to the Prime Minister in 2004 for this purpose, ultimately leading to the formulation of the Right To Information Act in 2005 as a result of the organisation’s efforts. The Act brought on the Statute Book in 2005 was a significant milestone in promoting accountability in administration. 

However, FDR and Loksatta recognized early on that while the formulation of the Act was a big victory, efforts would have to be channeled to ensure its implementation through wide publicity and awareness creation; specifically among government functionaries and the public at large to maintain momentum. In light of the above, FDR/Loksatta partnered with the Andhra Pradesh Press Academy, Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists and the Centre for Good Governance in a series of workshops ,training and awareness programs, and Roundtables that were conducted across the State. The major objective of this engagement was to sensitize public authorities, civil society organizations, stakeholders in government, and the general public to the RTI Act and its importance. Versions of the Act in multiple languages along with Q&A pamphlets and booklets were widely distributed, resulting in heightened awareness about the Right to Information Act.