Michchami Dukdam

2nd October, 2008.
Dear Friends,
I am happy to inform all of you that i have started working as a Central Information Commissioner from 18th September. I was sworn in at 4.00pm on that day and started work in my office at 5.00pm. In the Central Commission certain departments are allocated to each Commissioner and presently the departments allocated to me are all relating to Delhi: Secretariat, Directorate of Education GNCT, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare-GNCTD, District Sessions Judge, DSSSB, Land and Building Department-GNCTD, MCD-GNCTD, and Secretariat of Legislative Assembly. The appeals and complaints pending disposal in these are about 1250 and I have started listing hearings of cases.
I have a staff of two people provided to me and am depending more on the help of volunteers;- which is not really sustainable. Cases have been listed for hearing from 6th October, and i am reiterating my commitment to ensure that there will be no pendency of cases with me of over 3 months by end of March 2009.
There is an admission of a mistake i wish to make. When the names were being proposed from Civil society for the position of Central Information Commissioner, it was suggested that we should offer to do this job without a salary, house, car etc. I had raised the issue about how i could survive, and it was suggested that some individuals or organisations would take care of these. Without much thought i agreed to this. When i was actually selected, i began to think a little carefully about how i would stay in Delhi. I felt that taking help from individuals, organisations or Corporates would not be right. I then started thinking, i would try and stay frugally like Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey, Jean Dreze, Medha Patkar and other activists whose spartan lifestyle i admire.
I went to Delhi and am presently staying in a Hostel. The actual reality of trying to practise my romanticised frugal living is now staring at me. I went out for dinner with a friend and when i saw the bill of about 700 rupees, i cringed internally. Living alone in a hostel, without my wife Bharti is becoming difficult emotionally. I had planned to give up the car and start using rickshaws and Public transport. However, i am not able to bring myself to do this. I realised i could do my work much better if i paid the volunteers who are working with me in the office;- and i cannot do it. I am beginning to worry that trying to continue to live without salary, house etc. will affect my performance, and could result in failing for all the wrong reasons. Various friends have also advised me to accept the salary, house etc..
I realised that it is my ego which is preventing me from admitting my mistake. I am therefore apologising for the mistake i had made in stating that i would work without salary, house etc., and now plan to take these. I have discussed the matter with Bharti and decided that the salary would be used entirely to facilitate my work and for other RTI related work. I am aware that there will be criticism of my step, but feel it is more honest to admit a mistake.
Some friends will be disappointed by this turnaround. But i need to admit this mistake, and correct it. I shall fulfill the role of Information Commissioner diligently. I once again apologise to friends who might feel a betrayal.

Note: Jains greet each other on their new year day by saying, " Michchami Dukdam"- forgive me;- for any hurt i might have caused you during the past year. Thus only having cleansed myself can i enjoy the new year when you forgive me.