‘Activists have better knowledge of RTI Act than government officials’
A state Information Commissioner highlighted a critical gap in how government officials understand the Right to Information Act, noting that many possess less expertise than the activists they regulate. This systemic ignorance leads to significant frustration for citizens seeking transparency and results in frequent procedural errors by Public Information Officers. The Commissioner emphasized that this lack of comprehension not only hinders effective governance but also undermines the intent of the Act, creating unnecessary barriers for applicants who legally request public records. To address these inefficiencies, officials were advised on strict compliance timelines, particularly the mandatory thirty-day response window for information requests. The guidance stressed that misdirecting applications is strictly prohibited and that officers must promptly transfer cases to the relevant department if they do not hold the information themselves. Furthermore, the session clarified the specific legal grounds for rejecting applications, ensuring that denials are based on valid exemptions rather than administrative convenience or personal bias against frequent requesters. This discussion is vital for the open data community because it underscores the persistent human and institutional barriers that prevent the free flow of public information. Without adequate training and accountability for the officials controlling data release, even well-designed open data frameworks fail in practice. The Commissioner’s warning against misusing RTI mechanisms while calling for better internal coordination highlights the need for stronger administrative support systems to ensure that transparency initiatives are not stifled by bureaucratic inertia or political maneuvering within local bodies.
Source: thehindu.comPublished on 2024-07-16