RTI Foundation deputation calls on CIC

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 15: A deputation of the J&K RTI Foundation today called on Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Khurshid A. Ganai and discussed various measures on effective implementation of the J&K RTI Act, 2009.
The deputation led by its chief spokesperson Sheikh Maqbool said that the Government and the State Information Commission should raise more awareness about RTI among the common people.
The CIC gave the delegation a patient hearing and said that the State Information Commission is serious about effective implementation of the RTI Act and that during 2017-18, 476 appeals and complaints were disposed of by the Commission.
He also informed them that in over 45-50 appeal cases penalty proceedings were going on and during the last year penalties have been imposed in four cases.
The CIC further said that he will once again take up the matter of implementation of Section 23 of the J&K RTI Act regarding the creation of more awareness among the public and training of officials with the State Government.
The Foundation hoped that steps like seminars and Round Table Conferences for creating awareness about the J&K RTI Act, 2009 among the public and among the officials would be held periodically.