Convention at Delhi on RTI

Last time, I published the figures of disposals of cases by the Goa commission before I started for Delhi.



The proceedings at delhi are well documented. Mainly, the Cic was criticised for high pendency and not imposing penalty on all the PIOs where there was delay in furnishing the information. Critics tend to overlook many things outside the control of the cic. For instance, the responsibilities entrusted to the public authorities, the appropriate Govt, are beyond the control of any commission whether at center or GOA. In spite of the clear provisions in the law, no staff, no funds are given making the commission ineffective. The PIOs have to be given due opportunity and then only the penalty can be imposed. In Goa, we have disposed off 51 cases out of 75 filed so far even with bare minimum staff. 46 of them are put on the web. 5 more are yet to be uploaded.

The main problem is lack of training for the PIOs and awareness among the public. I have brought this to the notice of the Hon Chief minister, Goa. Let us hope for the best.

The Goa commission has initiated action against 7 PIOs for penalty, out of which one is before the High Court, one is dropped and others are under hearing. The Bicholim Muncipal council, the police dept, Transport dept are directed to compensate the complainants Rs 1000 each.The penalty notice has to be answered by one RTO, one S.E., 2 chief officers of muncipal council.


We hope that officials will be more prompt in the days to come while replying to the citizens.



(A Venkataratnam)