Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 4: A delegation representing the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information (RTI) Movement today held a meeting with Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) YK Sinha in Srinagar.
A spokesperson for the movement said the delegation, led by the Chairman of the RTI Movement Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, highlighted the need for better implementation of the RTI Act 2005 in Jammu and Kashmir. He said they submitted a memorandum to the Chief Information Commissioner, urging his intervention in addressing the issues related to RTI implementation in the region. He said the delegation emphasized the significant decline in the filing of RTI applications over the past few years.
He said during the meeting, the delegation requested the CIC conduct extensive RTI awareness campaigns in Jammu and Kashmir. They suggested involving local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and theatre groups to reach out to people in remote areas, where awareness about the RTI Act and the extension of more than 800 central laws after the abrogation of Article 370 remains limited, he said.
He said during the meeting, Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat expressed concern over the lack of training for the designated Public Information Officers (PIOs) and appellate authorities and requested the CIC address the gaps.
He added that CIC YK Sinha assured the delegation that he would take up the issues concerning the filing of online RTI applications and proactive disclosure of information under Section 4 of the RTI Act 2005 with the relevant authorities.
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