Sat Jul 19 01:45:20 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Andhra Pradesh State RTI Commissioner Rehana Begum emphasized the importance of the Right to Information (RTI) Act for tribal communities, particularly women, during an awareness program in Anakapalli district. Begum highlighted how the RTI Act can empower tribal women to access information about government schemes and entitlements, overcoming challenges posed by illiteracy and lack of access. The five-day program, organized by LibTech India and the United Forum for RTI Campaign, aimed to train tribal women from several districts to utilize the RTI Act to address local issues and improve their welfare.
**News Article:**
**RTI Act: A Tool for Tribal Empowerment, Says Commissioner Begum**
*Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – July 19, 2025* – Andhra Pradesh State Right to Information (RTI) Commissioner Rehana Begum has called the RTI Act a powerful instrument for empowering tribal communities, especially women, to access vital information about government programs and entitlements. Speaking at a virtual awareness program held in Anakapalli district on Friday, Begum emphasized the Act’s potential to bridge the information gap often faced by Adivasi women due to illiteracy and limited access.
“By equipping tribal women with the knowledge of the RTI Act, we can cultivate a culture of questioning and awareness,” Commissioner Begum stated. “These women can then play a crucial role in solving local issues and helping others access critical information.”
The five-day awareness program, running from July 14th to 18th, was organized by LibTech India and the United Forum for RTI Campaign, Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with various voluntary organizations. Tribal women from Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Prakasam districts participated in the event. Representatives from LibTech India and the United Forum for RTI Campaign also attended the program, reinforcing the commitment to empowering marginalized communities through access to information.
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