PANAJI
The Goa State Information Commission is gearing up to dispose off matters pending since 2007. The first of such case will be heard on January 18.
Speaking to The Goan, State Chief Information Commissioner Prashant Prabhu Tendolkar informed, “There are approximately over 1500 cases which are pending and the oldest is of 2007. We are giving priority to old matters so that they can be disposed fast.”
The Commission has already categorised year-wise data of the pending matters for speedy disposal.
“The first matter will be heard on January 18. The complaint of 2007 is by a person who failed to get the required information. There are also appeals which have been pending since 2008,” said Tendolkar.
Elaborating on the matters to be taken up for hearing, he said, “These are two types of matters. We are hearing appeals and complaints against the PIOs. Appeals are against the orders passed by the first appellate authority and complaints are against the PIOs who haven't furnished information.”
Additionally, for the convenience of government departments, the Commission is also exploring the possibility of disposing matters department wise.
“We are in the process of sorting the pendency data department-wise so that we can give a fixed date for one department. On this date, the PIO can remain present and attend numerous matters. This will help in ensuring that the work of the department concerned is not paralysed because of his absence,” informed Tendolkar.
Additionally, for the convenience of the information seekers, the Commission is planning to display the laid-down procedures so that no difficulty is encountered at the time of filing of appeals.
