About Nervazhi Thrissur in 11/692, ACF Centre, Ayyanthole, Thrissur

NERVAZHI has identified corruption as the biggest stumbling block in an orderly civilized society. In the course of its activities it is realized that the lack of transparency and accountability promotes corruption and also develops impunity in bureaucracy hampering the rights of all sections of the society. For promoting transparency and accountability in public administration, NERVAZHI has campaigned in a big way. Various programs for creating public awareness are taken up in a systematic manner. Street programs and campaigning through flex boards and leaflets are undertaken. The public have activity participated in the programs. NERVAZHI, through its campaigns apart from creating awareness, also offers free service of its staff for preparing R.I.T applications. There is a growing awareness among the public regarding the various ways in which the Right to Information Act can be used as a tool for combating corruption. However, the public, especially the poor and illiterate are often found the know-how to prepare R.I.T applications. The common man is also not aware as to the rights available to him under the R. T.I. Act. He, without asserting his rights is often compelled to pay brides.In such cases the NERVAZHI, apart from creating awareness regarding the rights available under the R.T.I Act, also advises the persons aggrieved regarding the possible course of action. They are also offered help for preparing R.T.I. applications. It is pertinent to point out that all the services rendered are absolutely free. NERVAZHI was the first organization in Thrissur to distribute printed applications under the R.T.I Act of cost.
Apart from helping individuals to redress their grievances arising out of corruption, the organization also takes up cases in larger public interest. Occasions are many when NERVAZHI has alerted to media and the public regarding corruptions taking place in various public offices. The NERVAZHI has managed to get whole-hearted co-operation from the media in sensitizing the public regarding instances of corruption. The Wanton misuse and wastage of public money has always angered NERVAZHI and such cases have been taken up with all earnestness.On one occasion it was noticed by the NERVAZHI that people who approached the Collect orate, Thrissur after 2 o’clock on a Thursday had to return empty handed since none of the officers were available in the office. It was known later that the officers had gone for a send-off party of one of the retiring officers. A complaint was made by the NERVAZHI against the said incident. Since no action was forthcoming, an application under the R.T.I Act was made seeking information as to the fate of the complaint. The authorities replied sating the all the officers were in their seats on the said day. This obviously being an incorrect statement, an appeal was preferred sating that the invitation of the meeting and the photographs taken on the occasion would be published. The office then admitted the illegality and tendered apology. This goes a long way in preventing such instances in government offices in future.Construction of roads, bridges etc, are areas where corruption takes place on a large scale. The public are put to serious hardships due to the said because traveling over badly constructed roads is a nightmare. The NERVAZHI identified construction of roads as an issue needing urgent attention in public interest. Regarding the re-tarring of a road in Anthikad Block Panchayath an R.T.I Application was made by NERVAZHI for obtaining the accountants of expenditure. The reply received was that if accounts are made available, the Construction of the road will have to be stopped. However, when NERVAZHI persisted, the Block Panchayth supplied the information. It Was then noticed that there were serious irregularities regarding the materials brought and the extend of tarring, a siphoning of an amount of more than 3,00,000/- was also noticed.This was made public by the NERVAZHI. The intention of the corrupt elements. More importantly, the public have discovered a method for exposing corruption in their own areas instead of being mute spectators. Several local groups have taken a cue from the above said exposure and have taken up such issues in the model operated by NERVAZHI. NERVAZHI hopes that the corrupt elements would think twice hereafter before indulging in corruption.