Section 4(1)(b) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 mandates that public authorities must proactively disclose key information about their organisation, functions, decision-making processes, records, and final orders, so that citizens need not file RTI applications repeatedly. Nearly two decades later, this legal obligation is still far from being fully implemented by many government authorities. While the Judiciary has set a good example by regularly uploading judgments and orders on official websites, several executive departments lag behind. In Goa, departments such as the Directorate of Land Survey and Settlement and the Revenue Department publish only partial information like land plans, Form I & XIV, or case status of mutations and partitions. Even this data is often incomplete. The Goa RTI Online Portal was introduced to simplify access to information. However, many Public Information Officers ignore online applications or mechanically direct applicants to visit offices, defeating the purpose of digital governance. Though some officers act responsibly, others show clear reluctance to comply with the Act. The Chief Minister has emphasised that government servants must serve the public earnestly. To uphold this vision, higher authorities and the State Information Commission must regularly review PIO performance and take disciplinary action against persistent defaulters.
