Aruna Roy

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Aruna Roy is an Indian politician and social activist. Aruna Roy was born in Chennai, and served as an officer in the Indian Administrative Service from 1968-1975. She resigned in order to devote her time to social work and social reform. She joined the Social Work and Research Center in Tilonia, Rajasthan, which had been set up by her husband Sanjit 'Bunker' Roy. She worked at the SWRC until 1983, then moved to Devdoondri in 1990 and set up the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathana, a group which is a working example of a transparent organization. The MKSS built a grassroots movement that has triggered broad debate and a nationwide demand for the public's right to scrutinize official records - a crucial check against arbitrary governance. Aruna Roy is a strong supporter of the movement for Right to Information, which succeeded in getting the Rajasthan Right to Information Bill passed. Her contribution to the cause has been widely appreciated.

In 2000, she was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay award for Community Leadership and International Understanding, along with J Arputham, the President of the National Slumdwellers' Federation. Aruna Roy requested that the award be given to the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathana, but was informed that it was only given to individuals. She put the award money into a trust to support the process of democratic struggles. She is currently one of the members of National Advisory Council of India.