Greenpeace Releases Right to Know Kit for Citizens

The CRTK Kit is designed to empower citizens with their Right to Know, and provides practical suggestions on how citizens can wield the power invested in them by the Indian Constitution to protect themselves, their communities and their environment against Corporate Crime.

"Corporate criminals are able to operate in relative freedom because their victims are usually unaware of the risks that accompany industrial 'growth'. The Freedom of Information Bill transfers a very powerful right to citizens, but unfortunately, very few people take advantage of their Right to Know. We are confident that this kit will provide impetus to every citizen's Right to Know and their will to act" said Sanjiv Gopal, Toxics Campaigner, Greenpeace India.

"Uninformed citizens end up placing themselves at the receiving end of bad trade and industrial practices," says Ruth Stringer, Senior Scientist from the Greenpeace Research Laboratory, "Accurate and freely available information is essential if India is to develop industrially and reduce environmental impacts. It is no accident that the most industrially developed nations also have the best Right to Know legislation."

Mr Elavazhagan, of Pasumai Thayagam, a leading environmental movement from Tamil Nadu adds, "This kit gives us an added collective understanding of our rights. Very often ignorance of our rights leads to our exploitation. Citizen's rights become limited when they are not used, and remain as empty words on paper - unknown and benefiting no one. Realizing that you have the Right to Know leads to the next crucial step; acting collectively and gaining greater control over our circumstances."

For further details, please logon to www.greenpeaceindia.org or contact Priya Nayar , Media Officer, Greenpeace India, at or +91 98454 93688 or Sanjiv Gopal , Toxics Campaigner, Greenpeace India at or +91 80 36788424