Social Issues

Telangana RTI Campaign demands urgent appointment of Information Commissioners

By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor

Hyderabad: State Organizing Convener S Venkateswarlu for the United Forum for RTI Campaign, has criticized the Telangana government for neglecting the Right to Information Act, 2005. The absence of Information Commissioners for two years has severely weakened the implementation of Act, affecting transparency and accountability in governance.

Call for immediate appointment of RTI Commissioners

Venkateswarlu emphasized the urgent need to appoint the State Chief Information Commissioner and zonal Commissioners as mandated by the Act. He insisted that these positions must be filled based on eligibility criteria, not political affiliations, to ensure impartial governance.

Demands for strengthening RTI implementation

The campaign has outlined 14 key demands to bolster the RTI Act in Telangana:

1. Reinstate RTI success story in education: Restore the RTI Act success story in the Class 10 curriculum, which was removed under the BRS government.

2. Allocate 1% budget for RTI development: Dedicate 1% of the state budget to improve RTI implementation across departments.

3. Enforce accountability: Impose stricter legal penalties for officials neglecting RTI responsibilities.

4. Install CC Cameras: Ensure cameras are installed in departmental offices with proper video storage, addressing technical lapses.

5. Protect RTI Activists: Establish protection mechanisms for applicants facing threats or intimidation.

6. Raise public awareness: Conduct state-level programs to educate citizens on the RTI Act regularly.

7. Promote RTI via advertisements: Advertise RTI prominently in public spaces, transport hubs, and on TSRTC buses.

8. Online RTI applications: Enable all government departments to process RTI requests online and provide timely responses.

9. Enhance Commissioner system: Streamline the Commissioner system for quicker and transparent information dissemination.

10. Training programs for officials: Conduct RTI training sessions for officers and civil society organizations through institutes like NIRD and MCRHRD.

11. Monthly problem-solving day: Dedicate a day in the third week of each month to address RTI-related issues in government offices.

12. Reimburse applicant travel costs: Allow reimbursement of travel expenses for delays under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act.

Postcard movement against delay

Frustrated by the lack of action, the United Forum for RTI plans to launch a statewide postcard movement. Venkateswarlu revealed that petitions and representations have been submitted to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, MLAs, and District Collectors. However, despite receiving and shortlisting applications, delays persist due to alleged political interference.

Supreme Court orders ignored

Venkateswarlu pointed out that the delay in appointing Commissioners has resulted in a backlog of applications and minimal accountability among officials. This non-compliance, despite Supreme Court directives, undermines the purpose of RTI Act.

Appeal to government

The United Forum urged the ruling Congress government to prioritize the appointment of RTI Commissioners to restore transparency and ensure a brighter future for Telangana. Venkateswarlu warned that failure to act promptly would compel citizens to escalate protests through the postcard campaign.

The campaign aims to revive the RTI Act as a cornerstone of accountability and citizen empowerment in the state.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button
error: Content is protected !!
.site-below-footer-wrap[data-section="section-below-footer-builder"] { margin-bottom: 40px;}