TURA: Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Meghalaya, P B O Warjri on Wednesday highlighted the importance of Right to Information (RTI) Act, its functions and implementation in the State.
Warjri was speaking as the Chief Guest during the awareness programme on RTI held at the conference hall of the DRDA in Tura.
Warjri stated that the basic objective of the Right to Information is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government and make our democracy work for the people in real sense. He informed that a citizen has the right to seek information from public authority and obtain information in any form.
Warjri also mentioned about the exemptions and disclosure under Section 8 and 9 and Schedule II of RTI Act which enumerates the categories of information exempted from disclosure and the names of the Intelligence and Security which are exempted from the purview of the Act. He explained in detail about the method and procedures of seeking information, disposal and provision related to appeals and complaints besides others.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Pravin Bakshi emphasize on the need to disseminate the role and implementation of Right to Information Act which is an Act of Parliament and a platform to acquire information from public authority.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, A V D Shira presented the working status of the RTI Cell since its inception in the district and added that 72 numbers of applications have been received so far. She also informed that about 47 RTI applications have been disposed of till date which has been applied against Deputy Commissioner’s Office, supply, revenue and excise branch including block offices, health department besides others.