The State Information Commission feels that the State Government falls short of observing the mandatory disclosure of information by the public authorities as stipulated in the RTI Act. That is why it has written to the Chief Secretary to ensure compliance of the Act by all departments of the State failing which necessary action would be taken under rules. The RTI Commission found that the reports obtained from the departments did not indicate proper process that could make access to information sought easy and hassle free. It hoped that Chief Secretary will ensure that public authorities will immediately make a suo-moto disclosure as provided under Section 4(1) (b) in their website and also take necessary steps for digitization of records as provided under Section 4(1) (a). The departments were expected to host within 120 days information on the website for public view. But it has not been done even now and the Information Commission has brought it to the notice of the Chief Secretary.
We would wish that the Right to Information Act is implemented in letter and in spirit. It has been conceived as an important step in promoting good governance and eradicating corruption and inefficiency. The Information Commission is within its rights to ask the Government to be serious about the Act and not trivialize it. Transparency should not be avoided but invited because that makes administration efficient and the loopholes if any are brought to the public gaze and corrective measures can be taken accordingly.
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