With the passage of the RTI Act 2005 and the progressive reforms at the Central and the State levels, TII and TI-TN visualize great opportunities for increased transparency in public offices and smooth and hassle-free transactions for the delivery of public services.  This is being greatly facilitated by IT and e-Governance initiatives, in which TN is playing a leading role.  In all this, TII-TN will work closely with all Government agencies concerned and like-minded not-for-profit organizations. TN Chapter will not investigate individual cases of corruption, which is best left to the law enforcement agencies.  TN Chapter will not “name names” but will focus on building systems that combat corruption and improve governance.

The chapter will identify priority areas in Tamil Nadu that need to be addressed and work out the mechanisms and means to be employed to effectively tackle them. These may include citizen surveys of public services, studies of organizations and systems, public hearings, review of legislations, review of public policies.  There would be a special focus on organizations with major public dealings, organizations handling major public works and programmes delivering benefits to weaker sections of society.  Both State and Central Government Departments are proposed to be covered.  Monitoring of public expenditure on development and welfare programmes would be a high priority, as also public education on the use of the RTI Act 2005. It is our intention to work in close association with State and Central Government authorities.  It is also out intention to work with the Corporate Sector, Academic Institutions, the Business Community, Trade Unions, NGO’s and Civil Society at large.

The funding of administrative costs and activities of Transparency International India – Tamil Nadu Chapter will be through voluntary donations only and the subscription fees of members.  The office bearers will be working on an honorary basis.  With a recent donation from a Foundation, we have set up a small office at 27 Taylors Road, Kilpauk, Chennai 600 010. The TN Foundation, a non-profit organization, has generously provided the space free in its building.  Minimum staff has been appointed.