‘Must be modeled on Central RTI portal’
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Jan 14: Right to Information (RTI) activists today picked holes in the recently launched J&K online RTI portal, stating that it is not user-friendly and lacks features that could enhance its efficiency.
While emphasizing that the portal should be modelled on the Central RTI portal, the activists highlighted recurring payment issues faced by applicants and noted that the QR code facility was introduced only recently.
“Within two days of the portal’s launch, it developed a snag and stopped functioning due to server issues. Although it was later rectified, such glitches in a newly developed portal do not inspire confidence,” said Syed Adil, an RTI activist.
Another concern raised was about document requirements, which activists argued should only apply to applicants falling under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
“For BPL applicants, who are exempt from the Rs 10 fee, submitting the required documents is necessary. However, applicants outside the BPL category should be able to proceed with payment without uploading any documents,” Adil said.
Another activist and lawyer, Rasikh Rasool, stressed the need for changes to make the process seamless for non-BPL applicants, allowing them to proceed without unnecessary steps.
The activists also pointed out that several offices, such as the Chief Education Offices across J&K, have not been added to the portal. As of now, there are 269 public authorities listed on the portal.
“If Chief Medical Officers have been included, why not the Chief Education Officers? Additionally, the absence of a clear naming convention creates confusion,” they said.
Key institutions like J&K Bank, the University of Kashmir, the University of Jammu, and several others are also missing from the list of offices accessible for online RTI applications. They further noted the absence of RTI application confirmation via registered email.
“The portal does not have a mobile-friendly version. Websites typically adjust automatically when accessed on mobile devices, but this one doesn’t. Additionally, the captcha often fails to load on iPhones,” he said.
Activists who have submitted RTI applications through the portal also pointed out that the contact numbers of nodal officers need regular updates.
“There are nodal officers listed who have been transferred and are no longer associated with the departments shown against them. Regular updates are essential for the convenience of applicants,” they said.
Regarding the support system, for which an email address has been provided on the portal, users reported that they have forwarded their grievances multiple times but have not received any replies or acknowledgments.
“There is a noticeable lack of monitoring; otherwise, these issues would not have arisen. All public authorities must be included, and feedback should be actively sought from users to make the website more efficient and user-friendly,” the activists said.
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