Sofi inaugurates workshop on RTI Act

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 5: Jammu and Kashmir Regional Branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IMPA) and Jammu and Kashmir State Information Commission (SIC) jointly organized a workshop on “RTI Act-Expectations and Achievements” here today.
Chief Information Commissioner, G. R. Sofi inaugurated the day long workshop.
The aim and objective of the workshop is to sensitize the Public Information Officers of various Government Departments and Public Service Units about various aspects required during dealing with the general public envisaged in the RTI Act.
The Chief Information Commissioner said that this Act is an important tool to empower common citizens of the State.
Mr. Sofi said the RTI Act helps in making the governance more transparent and accountable, adding that Government Departments and PSUs should voluntarily put in public domain crucial information relating to their functions so that there is lesser need to seek information by the RTI users.
Director General IMPA Dr. Ashok Bhan presented welcome address.
On the occasion, a panel discussion on “RTI Act Expectations and Achievements” was also held in which State Information Commissioner Dr. S. K. Sharma, former Sessions Judge, B. L. Saraf, former Advocate General, D. C Raina and senior Advocate, Sheikh Shakeel participated.
Besides, Controlling Officers of State Information Commission, Public Information Officers (PIOs) of various Departments and PSUs, stake holders, academicians, lawyers and a large number of senior citizens attended the workshop.