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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Gujarat Information Commission suggests RTI action plan

Gujarat Information Commission suggests RTI action plan

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published Published on Apr 16, 2013   modified Modified on Apr 16, 2013
-The Times of India


AHMEDABAD: Many public authorities in the state neglect record keeping and maintenance and there was a need to change the mindset of the establishment at the local self government, theGujarat Information Commission (GIC) has observed.

The GIC, in its annual report for the year 2011-12, has stated every public authority should maintain all records in proper format and even suggested that computerization of the data should be done wherever possible. Also, the data has to be maintained with proper classification.

It is mandatory for every public authority to keep and maintain records to facilitate the right of information.

The GIC suggested there should be an annual review of the maintenance of the records for effective implementation of the Right to Information Act. It said it was necessary to determine the number of public authorities and their first appellate officer under each department. The departments should also on regular basis inform the commission, it added.

The GIC mentioned that under the Act, it was necessary to send reports to the commission stating the efforts made by the public authorities, but not a single authority sent details of the specific efforts or arrangements made for the proper implementation of the act during 2011-12.

The Commission noted that every public authority has to undertake such measures and stated Public Information Officers (PIOs) are not paying attention to the requests made to them.

The PIOs also do not maintain record of the applications received and disposed off and there is no review of such disposal at any level. The GIC has noted there has been an increase in the appeals and complaints and further suggested there is a need for review of the timely disposal of the applications. Also, there is no action taken on the first appeals by the first appellate authority, it added.

The GIC observed that lowest level employees were appointed as PIOs and similarly first appellate officer were also from the lowest level employees.

The commission noted that a massive capacity building exercise and training needs to be undertaken. The capacity building exercise was needed to change the mindset of the establishment at the local self government, which according to the report, will be a major hindrance in good governance.

It also suggested there should be some incentive for the PIO and the first appellate officer as they were given the task over and above their general duties and work. In order to create the right attitude, it was necessary to reward the best performing public information officer and the first appellate officer, The GIC added.

It said this must be done with proper honorarium or compensation to every PIO for their work.


The Times of India, 16 April, 2013, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gujarat-Information-Commission-suggests-RTI-action-plan/articleshow/19570561.cms


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