Greater Kashmir: Srinagar: Tuesday,
April 04, 2017.
Terming the
Right to Information (RTI) as a tool to achieve true democracy, the State Chief
Information Commissioner (CIC), Khurshid A Ganai, Monday emphasized the role of
RTI in monitoring developmental programmes in the State.
He was
speaking at a workshop on ‘J&K RTI Movement’ held at SSM Engineering
College, Pattan. Highlighting the importance of creating awareness among the
public, the CIC said the right of public access to information empowers
individuals and communities to engage and participate in decisions that affect
their fundamental human, social and economic rights.
Stressing on
RTI activists to follow proper procedure for disclosure of information, the CIC
said the RTI acts as a potent tool to ensure that public services are delivered
with transparency and accountability. He also said that the RTI helps reduce
disparities between privileged and disadvantaged communities and thus brings
about equality in society.
The CIC urged
the students to be agents of change by becoming part of the RTI movement for
ensuring better governance. He said the State Information Commission is
creating mass awareness programmes in this regard.
Speaking on
the occasion, Founder J&K RTI Movement, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat asked the
participants especially students to make effective use of RTI Act. He gave a
detailed power point presentation on different aspects of J&K RTI Act 2009.
Dr Mushatq
Khan ,RTI activist spoke about RTI success stories . He said that the Act
provides an easy access to all citizens to reach out to the public authorities
besides promoting transparency and accountability.
Farooq Kuthoo
, Chief Spokesman of RTI Movement urged upon youth to learn and use RTI to
demand accountability from Govt. He urged upon the students to take
entrepreneurship as career and use RTI Act to develop industry.
.JPG)
.JPG)
