Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: In view of present COVID-19 situation, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has asked the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the video conferencing facility available at NICs of District Headquarters is made available to all the appellants/complainants for hearing before the Central Information Commission, New Delhi.
According to a Government circular, issued today in this regard for strict compliance, notices issues by the CIC in respect of such hearing may be treated as valid proof for availing the video conferencing facility.
Pertinent to mention that the Right to Information Act has come into effect in the Union Territory of J&K and second appeals arising out of the implementation of the Act alongwith complaints shall now be heard in the Central Information Commission, New Delhi. In view of the present COVID-19 situation, the CIC shall be hearing appeals through video conferences.
In a recent video conference held by the CIC, it was brought to the notice of the Lt Governor that the appellants/complainants are facing difficulties in availing the NIC video conferencing facilities at various District Headquarters.