The commencement of the RTI regime more than 19 years ago has helped the government in inculcating a culture of transparency and accountability in the workings of public authorities.
In fact, the enactment of the Right to Information Act 2005 is a powerful tool for citizens to obtain information from the government as a matter of right. It is also a significant step towards informing citizens about government activities. The basic objective of RTI is to empower citizens, promote transparency and accountability in government operations, curb corruption, and ensure democracy truly serves the people. Now, more than 19 years have passed since the enactment of the Right to Information Act 2005, passed by Parliament and assented to by the President of India on June 15, 2005.
The Department of Information and Publicity, which effectively propagates policies and programmes of the State Government, acts as the Nodal Agency for the RTI Act 2005. The Department also serves as the administrative Department for the Goa State Information Commission (GSIC) to ensure its smooth and effective functioning. It strives to ensure that the RTI Act is implemented effectively.
The Department initiates steps to ensure that the GSIC, a statutory body, is equipped with all necessary facilities, including making necessary budgetary provisions to provide grants-in-aid to the commission to meet its requirements for staff salaries and other daily expenses. It also publishes guides under the Act periodically as sources of information for public authorities and information seekers.
The GSIC consists of the State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and State Information Commissioners (SIC).
The Department of Information and Publicity conducts workshops on the RTI Act for Public Information Officers, elected representatives of local self-government bodies, consumer and social clubs, among others, to enlighten them on the RTI Act and how to make it more effective in promoting transparency in administration.
Furthermore, in an effort to provide adequate knowledge about the functioning and operation of the RTI online portal, the department conducted training programmes for all PIOs, Assistant Public Information Officers, and Nodal Officers of Government Departments, Autonomous Bodies, and Corporations. This online portal (www.rtionline.goa.gov.in), launched by the Department, facilitates citizens in filing RTI applications, First Appeals, and making online payments for RTI fees.
Undoubtedly, the RTI online portal launched following the direction from the Supreme Court will save time and energy for those seeking information under the RTI Act without needing to visit public offices.
(The writer is a Information Officer)
