RTI Activist Flags Flaws in Jammu Kashmir Portal, Complains to Centre

RTI Activist Flags Flaws in Jammu Kashmir Portal, Complains to Centre

The Jammu and Kashmir online RTI portal faces criticism for allegedly violating the RTI Act by restricting appeal timelines and failing to automatically grant fee exemptions for low-income applicants. These technical flaws force indigent users to pay fees they are legally exempt from, creating unnecessary barriers to accessing public information. Such procedural hurdles undermine public trust in transparency mechanisms, contradicting the government’s claim of full compliance. Activists argue that these limitations erode confidence in the system, preventing citizens from effectively exercising their right to information. This case highlights a critical challenge in open data governance: digital portals must strictly adhere to legal frameworks to ensure equitable access. Ensuring that online platforms remove administrative barriers rather than creating them is essential for maintaining public faith and upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in open data initiatives.

Source: kashmirlife.net
Published on 2025-09-10