The Right to Information (RTI) Act, of 2005, heralded as a cornerstone of transparency and accountability, is facing neglect in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Several Public Authorities fail to file quarterly returns mandated under Section 25 of the Act, undermining the very essence of this transformative legislation. Section 25 requires all Public Authorities to submit quarterly returns to facilitate the Central Information Commission in preparing an annual report on the Act’s implementation. These returns assess authorities’ performance in handling RTI applications, highlighting their adherence to transparency norms. However, persistent non-compliance by numerous authorities in J&K paints a dismal picture. Last year’s CIC report revealed that out of 43 Public Authorities in J&K, only 23 filed all four quarterly returns for 2022-23. Despite repeated reminders from both the CIC and the General Administration Department, the situation remains unchanged. Authorities that fail to comply with these requirements are rightly classified as defaulters, yet this label has seemingly failed to deter their lackadaisical approach.
The repercussions of such negligence are profound. Citizens rely on the RTI Act to hold the administration accountable and seek information on public service delivery. When authorities bypass provisions like filing returns or uploading application disposal statements on their websites, it obstructs citizens’ access to crucial data, eroding public trust in governance. The reasons for non-compliance are mainly deliberate avoidance of accountability. However, excuses cannot override the legal and moral obligation to uphold transparency. The GAD and CIC must take stricter action, including initiating disciplinary measures against erring officials. Simultaneously, capacity-building initiatives, such as training programs for PIOs, must be prioritised to ensure seamless adherence to the RTI Act’s provisions. Moreover, Civil society organisations, media, and active citizens must amplify the issue, compelling authorities to fulfil their legal duties. Regular monitoring and timely interventions can ensure adherence. The Government of J&K must recognise the urgency of this issue and act decisively to ensure full compliance. Transparency is not optional; it is the bedrock of good governance.
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