NHAI not placing contract-related info in public domain: CIC
NEW DELHI, July 2: Underlining that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is not placing contract agreement-related information in the public domain, the CIC has advised the authority to proactively disclose highway contracts, safety plans and other key project documents to promote transparency and accountability. Issuing an advisory under Section 25(5) of the RTI Act, Information Commissioner Jaya Varma Sinha said the “NHAI is not placing contract agreement-related information on their website in the public domain”. The Central Information Commission (CIC) observed that “contractual agreements and safety plans directly impact public safety, transparency, and accountability in infrastructure projects”. It noted that “withholding such information under the guise of exemptions is inconsistent with the spirit of the RTI Act”. According to the order, proactive disclosure would “enhance transparency in public procurement and execution of highway projects”, “ensure accountability of contractors and NHAI in adhering to safety norms”, and “empower citizens to monitor compliance with safety standards and contractual obligations”. (PTI)
Union MoS, Bihar Guv to attend Khamenei’s funeral in Iran
NEW DELHI, July 2: Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain will travel to Iran on Friday to represent India at the burial ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this on Thursday. Hasnain and Margherita will visit the Islamic Republic of Iran on July 3 to attend the funeral ceremony of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, late Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, it said. (PTI)
