Mumbai/ Nagpur: The RTI (Righ to Information) is such a tool it can be used to query any act, whether by omission or commission, whether right or wrong, even if the weak ears of RTI-applicant hear something from some sources beyond their reach and react without giving second thought to it. This is what has happened with RTI activist Anil Galgali in his bid to know the status of approval granted by Chief Minster Devendra Fadnavis in relation to providing Rs 8 lakh for a government employees’ dance troupe to participate in a competition in Bangkok in December last year, said media reports.
The sanction of Rs 8 lakh from Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for a dance troupe’s visit to Bangkok in certain Arts participation has sparked off a row with Opposition parties raising hue and cry against the BJP-led government’s “priorities” at a time when the state is reeling under severe drought.
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03 April 2025
The Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office has clarified on the alleged use of relief funds for a dance troupe. “It wasn’t a commercial event but was performing arts competition. The CM’s Relief Fund has separate accounts for drought relief , Jalyukt Shivar and others. The fund used here is neither from drought relief nor Jalyukt Shivar. Government employees are not entitled for any other private aid for cultural activities and this is the only way they can get the aid. This aid is as per the norms followed since many years,” the office said
An RTI query filed by activist Anil Galgali found that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved Rs 8 lakh for a government employee’s dance troupe to participate in a competition in Bangkok in December. He sanctioned the sum that was transferred to Sachivalaya Gymkhana for the dance contest.
However, an official of the CMO said there is no wrongdoing in disbursing of the fund. Registered in 1967 with the charity commissioner, the CM’s relief fund can be used for funding cultural activities, the official said, amid mounting criticism of the move.
The Gymkhana had sought aid to send its 15-member team of government employees to enable them to participate in a dance competition in Bangkok from December 26-30. The 5th Cultural Olympiad of Performing Arts 2015 is being held in Bangkok by Global Council of Art and Culture.
In 2008, former CIC Shailesh Gandhi had revealed through RTI that public money collected between 2003 and 2005, when Congress-NCP regime was in power, went to the organisers of a kabaddi competition, a women’s football match, a ghazal contest, a Marathi actor’s fan club and a Congress MLA’s religious congregation.
“The disbursement of the fund is made at the discretion of the Chief Minister, and in accordance with the Chief Ministers directions,” said the official.
