Activist accuses Kynjing of violating ‘RTI Act’

SHILLONG: RTI activist Desparsing Rani has petitioned the Meghalaya Governor accusing Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), CD Kynjing of violating the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
Kynjing, Rani argued, rejected a complaint without “any hearing”.
Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Rani said that three blocks-Mawryngkneng, Shella-Bholaganj and Mawsynram–had failed to furnish information sought by him on June 30 last under the RTI Act on the issue of implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission.
Informing that out of the eight blocks in East Khasi Hills, five had already replied to his RTI queries, he added, “As per RTI filed with the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the RTI applications to all the blocks were received by July 14, 2015.”
He alleged that the CIC rejected his complaint filed before the latter’s office on January 29 without any hearing against the three “erring blocks”.
“My complaint was rejected citing that I was late by 150 days in bringing the issue to his notice. However, as per Section 18 (3) of the Act, there is no limit for an RTI applicant to lodge a complaint with the CIC. Moreover the Act also states that complaints can be lodged even after 18 months,” Rani said adding that the action of the CIC was contempt of the Act.
He added he had also filed an RTI with the office of CIC on the matter.