RTI reply on stadium wall collapse denied, claims Bernard

TURA, June 30: In a surprising revelation, BJP leader and Tura MDC, Bernard N Marak on Sunday claimed that the reply to an RTI filed in connection with the collapse of the PA Sangma Stadium wall was denied by the office of the West Garo Hills deputy commissioner.
“The Public Information Officer (PIO) simply gave a vague reply to the RTI saying ‘the questions were vague’. RTI seeking information on temporary wall around PA Sangma stadium which collapsed few weeks ago and complete detail of the projects being constructed in the PA Sangma stadium is shaded by adamant attitude of the head of the District violating the RTI Act. The PIO simply replied to the questions in vague. If the head of the District refuse to reply to the RTI, what more can we expect from the other departments who did not reply to the RTIs filed on February 12?” Bernard asked.
According to the Tura MDC, the information sought earlier were, detailed project reports of all the projects being constructed in PA Sangma stadium, details of funds sanctioned by the central government and withdrawn till date, status of each projects and their due date to be completed, inquiry and action taken report of the wall which collapsed earlier as well as the detailed project report of the temporary wall which collapsed and who sanctioned its construction.
“There is no transparency and the district administration is hiding the facts even to RTIs which is a violation of the RTI Act,” Bernard alleged, while warning that the issue would be taken up with the Centre and subsequent legal action will be taken.