Navi Mumbai: RTI states civic body’s plantation spending lacks tree survival data

Times of India: Navi Mumbai: Monday, 27 April 2026.

Despite multiple plantation projects over the past decade, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) had no consolidated data on how many native and fruit-bearing trees survived, according to a 43-page RTI response. The information, sought by NatConnect Foundation in Navi Mumbai, asked for ward-wise plantation data, survival status and future plans. The civic body responded with a compilation of administrative records, including work orders, approvals and expenditure statements.
Plantation works across 2016 to 2024 carried project costs ranging from a few lakhs to upwards of Rs 50-60 lakh each, indicating cumulative spending likely running into several crores, NatConnect director B N Kumar said, citing the NMMC response. The records showed plantation works were tied largely to one-year maintenance clauses, which ecologists said were inadequate for ensuring tree survival in urban conditions. They said saplings in high-stress environments required sustained, multi-year care, but the documents provided no evidence of follow-up audits or long-term monitoring once initial project obligations ended. Kumar termed the response evasive. "We asked for survival data on native and fruit-bearing trees. What we received was a ledger of projects," he said. "There is no ward-wise account, no survival audit and no clarity on species. The response did not disclose a single consolidated figure, neither the total number of trees planted nor the total funds spent over the decade," Kumar stated. The gap reflected a deeper shift from intent to indifference.

Electronics City authority appoints three officials to hear Right to Information requests

Times of India: Bengaluru: Monday, 27 April 2026.

Electronics City Industrial Town Authority (ELCITA) appointed a public information officer and two other officials for handling information requests through Right to Information Act, 2005. The move comes after Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) ruled in Jan that the body comes under the ambit of RTI.
Aishwarya K has been appointed public information officer; Maham Kausar and Aniruddha N are assistant PIO and first appellate officer, respectively.
The appointments were made after Karnataka Information Commisioner Rajashekhar S noted that the state govt has complete control financial as well as administrative over the authority, including the power to supersede it. Calling it a public authority, he noted the govt has only given power to ELCITA to collect property tax.
The authority was initially managing the industrial area of Electronics City, taking charge of road maintenance, water supply, street lighting, sewage and waste disposal, transportation facilities and security. In 2013, the govt declared Electronics City as an industrial township area under Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964, leading to the formation of ELCITA.

Russia crude import data deemed ‘confidential’ as CIC backs denial under RTI

National Herald: National: Monday, 27 April 2026.
Commission cites strategic, economic interests; directs improved disclosures, issues show-cause notice

Representative image of an oil tanker AWO2 William S. Stevens/Wikimedia Commons

The Central Information Commission has upheld the denial of detailed data on India’s crude oil imports from Russia, backing the Petroleum Ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell on grounds that the information is “commercial and confidential” and linked to national interests.
The case pertains to an RTI (Right to Information) plea seeking company-wise and country-wise details of crude oil imports from Russia between June 2022 and June 2025.
The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) had rejected the request, stating that such data is exempt from disclosure under Sections 8(1)(d) and 8(1)(e) of the RTI Act, which relate to commercial confidence and fiduciary relationships.
The First Appellate Authority upheld this decision.
In its interim order, the Commission said disclosure of the requested information “would prejudicially affect the strategic and economic interest of the State and also affect relations with foreign states”.
It ruled that the exemption is valid under Sections 8(1)(a) and 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, and that no further relief is warranted.
Details sought by applicant
The RTI application had sought a detailed break-up of crude oil imports from Russia, including data for major companies such as Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, ONGC Videsh Limited, Reliance Industries Limited and Nayara Energy.
Officials said that while such granular data cannot be disclosed, aggregate figures on crude imports are available on the PPAC website.
The Commission also issued a show-cause notice to a PPAC official for failing to attend the hearing despite prior notice, asking why penalty proceedings under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act should not be initiated.
It further noted deficiencies in proactive disclosures on the authority’s website and directed compliance with Section 4 of the RTI Act.
Directions for transparency
Invoking its powers under Section 25(5), the Commission recommended that the public authority improve suo motu disclosures, including details on organisational structure, functions, duties of officials, and remuneration.
India has significantly increased imports of discounted crude oil from Russia since 2022, making it a key component of the country’s energy strategy.
The Commission’s order underscores the balance between transparency obligations under RTI and protection of sensitive economic and geopolitical information.

Gurugram challan recovery weak despite surge in traffic fines: RTI

Hindustan Times: Gurugram: Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Police issued over 1.2 million challans worth ₹126.83 crore in 2025 but recovered only ₹17.5 crore; pendency worsens with unpaid fines piling up.

Recovery ratio across key violations remains low, with most dues from camera-detected offences as motorists delay or contest penalties. (HT Archive)

Despite a sharp rise in traffic challans, enforcement and recovery remain weak in Gurugram, with police collecting only a fraction of penalties issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, according to data from an RTI filed by HT.
The Gurugram traffic police issued 1,244,812 challans in 2025 across the top ten violations, amounting to ₹126.83 crore, but recovered only ₹17.5 crore. This marks a continued decline from ₹19.6 crore in 2024 and ₹24.85 crore in 2023.
Even as ticketing rose 1.5 times from 834,122 challans worth ₹99.2 crore in 2023, recovery has dropped nearly 70% year-on-year. Officials attributed the surge in ticketing to 1,200 CCTV cameras, including 308 AI-backed automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems installed at 218 junctions.
Violation-wise data for 2025 showed a low recovery-to-penalty ratio of 12:100 to 23:100 across categories such as wrong-side driving, overspeeding, lane changes, signal jumping, and helmet or seatbelt violations. Drink-and-drive cases were excluded, as penalties are court-driven.
A large share of unpaid fines came from violations largely detected through ANPR cameras, including mobile phone use (about 88%), signal jumping and wrong-side driving (about 86%), lane changes (about 80%), parking (about 77%) and overspeeding (about 83%).
Pendency has worsened further in 2026, reaching 92.5% till March, with only ₹1.2 crore recovered from ₹19.6 crore in penalties.
The cumulative pendency of outstanding dues stood at ₹74.44 crore in 2023, ₹75.10 crore in 2024, ₹109.33 crore in 2025, and ₹18.35 crore till March this year. Officials said a significant number of violators have sought concessions on these pending fines through virtual courts.
In 2024, ₹94.7 crore fines were issued in total, of which, ₹19.6 crore was recovered during the year, which includes dues from previous years, officials said.
“The recoveries usually take a long time, as many of the commuters either fail to pay their fine promptly within a stipulated time of 90 days under the MV Act or they seek relief from the virtual court by contesting those fines,” said Prateek Gehlot, deputy commissioner of police (traffic), who assumed charge on April 03.
Officials said unpaid fines are automatically transferred to virtual courts if not cleared within 90 days. Recovery is handled jointly by the district traffic police’s challan branch and the motor vehicle department. “While fines against commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, autos and taxis are largely collected through the regional transport authority (RTA) within a day or two, with impounding measures enforced in failure of compliance, the remaining regular violations are monitored by traffic police,” a senior official from the transport department said, requesting anonymity.
Gehlot said many motorists remain unaware of pending fines due to missing mobile or email links in vehicle registrations. “Awareness drives are being held regularly to establish these missing data links to make online disposable systems feasible in the long run,” he said.
Police said e-challans are sent via SMS links, but many violators delay payments hoping for court relief or until registration renewal nears.
Gehlot said enforcement is being stepped up. “Four vehicles with over 40 pending fines were impounded over the past two months. A list of 100 such motorists with over 50 unpaid fines was also made public, and notices were issued to them in March,” he said.
He added that zonal officers have been directed to ensure on-spot recovery from violators with multiple pending challans. The traffic engineering centre (TEC), along with experts, has also identified stretches lacking proper signage and markings. “These changes starting from next week will likely bring a behavioural change among commuters to follow rules. Letters are being issued to the civic bodies to implement commuter-friendly traffic measures on priority,” Gehlot said.

India gears up for 2030 CWG, but bills, court cases of 2010 Delhi Games linger on : Written by Mihir Vasavda

The Indian Express: Article: Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Responding to RTI requests seeking details of the outstanding liabilities of the erstwhile Organising Committee of the 2010 CWG, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said it cleared dues to the tune of Rs 28.05 crore in 2025-26. This payment was made to MTNL.

An outstanding liability of Rs 28.05 crore was cleared in 2025-26. An estimated Rs 50 crore has been set aside for 2026-27. More than Rs 13 crore spent on legal and arbitration fees. And 29 cases are still being heard at various courts. (File)

AS INDIA gears up to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, financial dues of the games’ Delhi edition held in the country for the first time two decades back in 2010, continue to linger.
An outstanding liability of Rs 28.05 crore was cleared in 2025-26. An estimated Rs 50 crore has been set aside for 2026-27. More than Rs 13 crore spent on legal and arbitration fees. And 29 cases are still being heard at various courts.
Four years from now, Ahmedabad will welcome more than 70 nations in 2030 in what will be the centenary year of the Commonwealth Games. Earlier this month, a Commonwealth Sport delegation led by president Donald Rukare and chief executive Katie Sadlier toured venues across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara and Ekta Nagar, praising the “scale of planning” and “quality of venues”.
Yet the legal and financial fallout of the scandal-tainted 2010 Delhi Games continues to drag on, according to details obtained by The Indian Express under the Right to Information (RTI) Act and from public records.
Responding to RTI requests seeking details of the outstanding liabilities of the erstwhile Organising Committee of the 2010 CWG, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said it cleared dues to the tune of Rs 28.05 crore in 2025-26. This payment was made to MTNL.
A parliamentary committee report tabled in the Lok Sabha on March 18 estimated that Rs 50 crore will be required in 2026-27 to clear remaining liabilities. However, the ministry did not confirm the figure in its RTI reply.
“It is submitted that a payment of Rs 28.05 crore was made during year 2025-26 to the MTNL. Further outstanding liability cannot be confirmed at this stage as the same is dependent on the decision in matters which are sub-judice,” the ministry said.
Further, the ministry said that 29 Games-related cases remain pending before various courts as of April 22, 2026. It listed 24 vendors, individuals and authorities involved in the 29 cases, with the Union government as one of the parties in each of them.
Asked about the details of the amounts pending in the disputed cases, the ministry replied: “Outstanding liability cannot be assessed as the matters are sub-judice.”
Some of the major vendors listed are Nussli Switzerland, which was awarded a contract of Rs 128 crore for games overlays, according to a 2011 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The list also includes Electronics Corporation of India for a contract approved at Rs 346 crore.
Legal costs have also mounted over the years, with Rs 6.37 crore spent on lawyers and Rs 6.63 crore on arbitrators and tribunals since 2010.
According to the CAG report, the estimated cost of the 2010 CWG had ballooned from Rs 297 crore, mentioned in a Cabinet note of May 2003, to Rs 18,532.31 crore in October 2010. The final financial burden may take years to fully emerge as cases continue in courts.
In April 2025, former Indian Olympic Association president and 2010 Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi was cleared of major charges related to the Commonwealth Games scam, with a Delhi court accepting closure reports in money laundering cases. After his arrest in 2011 and ten months in jail, the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation were unable to substantiate allegations of corruption against him, effectively giving him a clean chit. Kalmadi died in January 2026.
However, allegations of corruption, shoddy planning and delayed infrastructure damaged India’s global image, and even successfully staged events such as Formula 1 races, the U-17 FIFA World Cup, and recent cricket and hockey World Cups have not fully offset that perception.
The country has now set its sights on hosting the 2036 Olympics, with the 2030 Commonwealth Games seen as a key platform to restore credibility. For the 2030 Games, operational costs are projected between Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore, alongside a broader ‘Amdavad 2030’ infrastructure push spanning transport, hospitality and sports facilities.

Pune Civic Crackdown: PMC Targets RTI Misuse, Plans Entry Ban on 9 Individuals

Lokmat Times: Pune: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
The Pune Municipal Corporation is preparing to take strict action against individuals who loiter inside its main administrative building.

The Pune Municipal Corporation is preparing to take strict action against individuals who loiter inside its main administrative building throughout the day, filing baseless complaints against officials from various departments and allegedly using these tactics to harass and blackmail them. Authorities have begun compiling detailed information on nine such individuals who operate under the names of different organisations and groups. Once the data collection process is completed, the civic body is expected to impose entry restrictions on them. Officials believe that these measures are necessary to curb misuse of administrative processes and to ensure a safer and more efficient working environment within the municipal premises.
Several individuals reportedly visit the municipal headquarters daily without any official work, moving across departments and closely observing internal proceedings. They often introduce themselves as members of social organisations to build familiarity with officers and staff, gather information about tenders, and repeatedly file applications under the Right to Information Act. By seeking similar information multiple times, they allegedly attempt to pressure officials and resort to intimidation or blackmail. Over time, many of their complaints have been found to lack substance. This pattern has created a sense of insecurity among civic employees and negatively impacted their efficiency. In the past, the State Information Commission Pune Bench has taken a firm stance by rejecting appeals that were deemed frivolous or lacking public interest.
In light of the growing nuisance caused by such so-called RTI activists and selfproclaimed social workers, the civic administration’s security department has decided to initiate legal action against those who disrupt official work by filing false complaints and creating unnecessary disturbances. As part of this move, a letter listing these nine individuals has been circulated among 17 department heads within the municipal corporation. The administration aims to ensure that such activities are closely monitored and addressed through appropriate legal channels. Officials have emphasised that the objective is not to discourage genuine grievances but to prevent misuse of legal provisions for personal gain or coercion.
According to the instructions issued under the orders of the municipal commissioner, department heads have been directed to compile and submit copies of all complaint applications filed by these individuals. After reviewing the collected material, the Next administration plans to forward a report to the city police commissioner recommending further action. Alongside this, the civic body is also considering banning the identified individuals from entering municipal premises. Sources added that a caveat may be filed in court to prevent any immediate legal relief being granted to them without prior notice to the corporation. These steps are intended to strengthen administrative control and deter future misuse of complaint mechanisms.
Among the nine individuals identified for causing disruption, one is a retired employee of the municipal corporation who alone has reportedly filed around 40 complaints with the health department. The group also includes two individuals posing as journalists, the head of an organisation related to rehabilitation, a trust president, two city-level leaders from relatively unknown political parties, a woman heading a foundation, and another woman. The list containing their names has reportedly been accessed by media sources. Authorities believe that the repeated actions of these individuals point towards a coordinated effort to exploit official procedures rather than genuine attempts to address public issues.
Concerns over the organised misuse of the Right to Information Act within the Pune civic body have also been raised at higher levels. During the monsoon session of the state legislature, Sunil Kamble highlighted the issue, suggesting that stringent legal provisions similar to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act could be considered against such groups. Following this, the Urban Development Department sought detailed information from the municipal corporation regarding individuals allegedly using legal provisions to blackmail officials. The data requested includes the number of RTI applications filed across departments, the frequency of submissions by specific individuals, and the nature of information sought, indicating a broader effort to address systemic misuse.

Punjab info panel refuses to share data on RTI backlog, penalties

Times of India: Patiala: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
The Punjab State Information Commission has declined to provide data regarding its pending cases and penalties imposed on erring officials under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Responding to an application by Nabha resident Gurpreet Singh, the commission cited "non-availability of compiled records" as the reason for the refusal.

Singh had sought details on cases pending for over six months and the number of officials penalised for withholding information during that period. Information officer Sudhir Kumar stated that the commission is not obligated to "create or compile" data that does not already exist in a ready format, citing a Supreme Court judgment.
The applicant has challenged this response, arguing that since the registrar's office tracks incoming and disposed cases, the backlog data is easily extractable. He further contended that records of penalties are routinely sent to departments and should be accessible via correspondence.
Singh also alleged that the commission's failure to impose strict penalties encourages officials to ignore hearings. Describing the RTI process as "cumbersome," he claimed it causes repeated adjournments and prolonged delays.
The appellate authority's decision is expected to clarify whether the commission is required to compile such public information for transparency.

DPCC used only 43 per cent of Environmental Compensation fund collected over past decade: RTI

The Print: New Delhi: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has utilised only around 43 per cent of the Environmental Compensation fund collected over the past decade, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The fund, collected from fines on pollution-causing entities, is primarily used for ecological restoration and mitigation

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has utilised only around 43 per cent of the Environmental Compensation fund collected over the past decade, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The fund, collected from fines on pollution-causing entities, is primarily used for ecological restoration and mitigation of pollution in the national capital.
The RTI filed by environmental activist Amit Gupta has revealed that Rs 158.88 crore was collected between 2015-16 and 2025-2026, and only Rs 68.07 crore was spent during the same period.
Year-wise data shared in the RTI reply showed that collections were highest in 2025-26 (up to February) at Rs 36.53 crore, while expenditure peaked in 2024-25 at Rs 35.93 crore, marking a sharp spike compared to previous years.
The data showed that in 2015-16, Rs 3.58 crore was collected, and only Rs 71 lakh was spent. Whereas in 2016-17, Rs 16.74 crore was collected, and Rs 1.29 crore was utilised. In 2017-18, Rs 3.42 crore was collected, and Rs 2.55 crore was spent, and in the following year, 2018-19, Rs 5.60 crore was collected, and only Rs 1.34 crore was utilised.
In 2019-20, collections rose to Rs 19.84 crore and Rs 1.39 crore spent, while Rs 9.17 crore was collected in 2020-21 and Rs 2.90 crore utilised. The figures for 2021-22 showed Rs 16.84 crore collected and Rs 1.23 crore spent, and for 2022-23, Rs 19.14 crore collected and Rs 1.45 crore utilised.
The RTI data further showed that Rs 11.32 crore was collected in 2023-24, of which Rs 7.84 crore was spent. In 2024-25, Rs 16.63 crore was collected and Rs 35.93 crore utilised. In 2025-26 up to February, Rs 36.53 crore was collected while Rs 11.38 crore was spent.
The DPCC, however, did not provide details of the specific works or projects on which the funds were spent, the RTI reply said.
“Why is such a large amount not being utilised? Where is the money parked? What environmental work has actually been carried out on the ground?” Gupta said, questioning the underutilisation of funds meant for pollution control in Delhi.
“The city is consistently among the most polluted in the country, yet nearly 57 per cent of the allocated or collected funds remain unspent. This is not a question of shortage of money, but of lack of long-term vision and planning,” the activist added.
The pollution control boards impose Environmental Compensation (EC) as fines on industrial units and other entities causing pollution, based on the “Polluter Pays Principle”. The penalty is imposed to deter environmental damage and is often based on the CPCB guidelines, with funds deposited into a designated DPCC account. PTI SGV SMV SGV SMV KSI KSI
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

Over 45,000 RTI Applications Filed on Jammu Kashmir Portal in One Year

Kashmir Life: Srinagar: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a sharp rise in the use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, with over 45,000 applications filed through the Union Territory’s RTI Online Portal in just over a year, reflecting increased public engagement with transparency mechanisms.

The information was disclosed by the General Administration Department (GAD) in response to an RTI application filed by JK-based activist and lawyer Rasikh Rasool Bhat.
As per official data, a total of 45,275 RTI applications were received between January 10, 2025 and March 31, 2026. During the same period, 6,061 first appeals were also filed, indicating that a number of applicants sought review of responses from public authorities.
The GAD further stated that 40,310 applications have been disposed of, while 4,498 first appeals have been decided so far. The figures indicate a disposal rate of nearly 90 percent, though several cases remain pending.
However, the department declined to share details regarding the total fee collected through RTI applications and its department-wise breakup, stating that the information sought does not fall under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act as it would require compilation beyond available records.
The response was issued by the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), GAD, Civil Secretariat, JK, on April 24, 2026. The applicant retains the right to file a first appeal within 30 days under the provisions of the Act.
The data highlights the growing use of RTI as a key instrument of accountability and transparency in governance across Jammu and Kashmir.

Rahul Gandhi 'disagreed' on government CIC candidate: RTI response reveals

The Hindu: New Delhi: Saturday, 25 April 2026.

Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. File | Photo Credit: AICC via ANI

LoP Rahul Gandhi, instead, suggested the name of former Labour Ministry Secretary and 1991-batch IAS, Sumita Dawra (retd).
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi had "disagreed" with the appointment of Raj Kumar Goyal as Chief Information Commissioner, suggesting the names of IAS Sumita Dawra, Justice S. Muralidhar, and Professor Faizan Mustafa, according to minutes released under the Right to Information Act.
In an RTI response to activist Commodore Lokesh Batra (retd), the Department of Personnel and Training gave the minutes of meeting which was held on December 10, 2025, in the Parliament building to select the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and eight other information commissioners.

Tanfed comes under purview of RTI Act, rules Madras HC

New Indian Express: Chennai: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
All these show that Tanfed acts as an implementing arm of the state government for its agricultural policies, the judge said.

The Madras High Court has ruled that the Tamil Nadu Cooperating Market Federation (Tanfed) comes under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act as its affairs are controlled by the state government.
Justice V Lakshminarayanan issued the ruling on a petition by P Jothibasu challenging the October 3, 2025, order of the state information commissioner rejecting his application filed on May 2, 2023, seeking certain information.
Jothibasu had sought information on the activities of the federation, including the varieties of fertilisers procured, the list of organisations from which procurement is carried out, and tender guidelines for purchase of organic manure and bio-stimulant, among others.
The federation’s public information officer concerned, however, denied disclosure of the information stating that cooperative societies do not come under the purview of the RTI Act and cited the Supreme Court judgment in the Thalappalam case for the same.
After Jothibasu’s first appeal with the department was rejected, he filed a second appeal with the state information commissioner. That, too, was dismissed. He then moved the high court.
The judge noted that Tanfed has been appointed the nodal agent with respect to the activities of the National Agricultural Co-operative Marketing Federation of India Limited (Nafed). In that capacity, it sponsors and undertakes Price Support Scheme (PSS) to protect farmers from price decline.
Furthermore, whenever the prices of essential commodities undergo an unreasonable hike, Tanfed intervenes and stabilises the prices of the essential items. All these show that Tanfed acts as an implementing arm of the state government for its agricultural policies, the judge said.
Referring to a GO appointing Information Officers to the federation, the judge said he was unable to appreciate the stand of the respondents that the RTI Act does not cover them when the government is clear that the information held by Tanfed should be disclosed under the same.
He also noted that the information sought by the petitioner does not fall under the exemptions under Section 8 of the RTI Act and ordered the respondent authorities to furnish the details as sought by the petitioner. Advocate M Purushothaman represented the petitioner.

Who is watching the watchdog? Gujarat’s proactive disclosure mandate in shambles : By Jag Jivan

Counterview: Ahmedabad: Friday, 24 April 2026.
A stunning failure in transparency has been uncovered in Gujarat, where only 75 out of 11,883 public authorities have submitted mandatory compliance certificates for proactive disclosure under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. This revelation comes from an analysis of an official government press note and related RTI correspondence obtained by a citizen.

According to a press note dated April 22, 2026, the General Administration Department (GAD) had issued a circular on July 17, 2019, mandating that all public authorities prepare and update 17 points of Proactive Disclosure (PAD) under Section 4 of the RTI Act.
Heads of departments, collectors, and corporations were required to complete an inspection-cum-audit of their PADs and submit certificates by June 30 each year. However, an RTI application filed by Alpeshkumar Bhavsar (Application No. 20251002216962) and the subsequent first and second appeals have exposed a systemic collapse.
As per the press note, of the state’s total 11,883 public authorities, only 75 have submitted the required PAD compliance certificates. The department responsible for monitoring this entire process the General Administration Department (GAD) has reportedly not submitted its own PAD certificate.
Among the few departments that did submit certificates, the situation remains grim. Ten departments have information on their websites that is one to two years old, four departments have non-functional links for their PADs, and the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department has PADs as old as 15 years, dating back to 2012.
The RTI process revealed a complete abdication of responsibility. The Public Information Officer (PIO) and First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the GAD stated that monitoring PAD compliance is not the responsibility of the GAD or its RTI Cell. Even before the Gujarat State Information Commission, the GAD claimed it only had data for the 16 departments under its direct purview, with no information on the remaining 11 departments.
The press note highlights that this disregard for PAD updating continues despite a Supreme Court order in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 990 of 2021 directing the State Information Commission to ensure proper implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act.
Bhavsar’s RTI journey was arduous. The PIO initially refused to provide consolidated information, asking him to file separate RTIs with each of the over 11,000 public authorities. This decision was upheld by the First Appellate Authority. In his second appeal before the State Information Commission (Appeal No. A-0359-2026), the State Information Commissioner, Manoj Patel, passed an order dated April 10, 2026, holding that the PIO’s response was “proper” and dismissing the appeal.
However, during the hearing, the PIO agreed to provide the applicant with a copy of the audit certificate for the Gujarat Information Commission, the only public authority under the RTI Cell’s direct control, and a list of departments that had submitted Annexure-B certificates. The order also noted suggestions from the appellant to make the RTI portal more user-friendly, which the Commission recommended to the Science and Technology Department.
The documents paint a clear picture: despite Supreme Court directives, government circulars spanning over a decade from 2009 onwards, and the existence of an Information Commission, the proactive disclosure mandate of the RTI Act, which is the very heart of transparency, has been systematically ignored. Citizens are effectively forced to file separate RTIs with each of the 11,883 public authorities to access information that should be voluntarily available online, rendering the spirit of the law virtually meaningless in Gujarat.

AIIMS Jammu, Div Com office under scannerover RTI response practices

The News Now: Jammu: Friday, 24 April 2026.
Serious questions over transparency and accountability have surfaced after two key public authorities the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Vijaypur and the Divisional Commissioner Jammu office came under scrutiny for their handling of Right to Information (RTI) applications.

At the centre of the controversy is an RTI reply issued by AIIMS Vijaypur, which stated that crucial information sought regarding its hospital facilities, comparison with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, and details of emergency patient referrals to Government Medical College, Jammu is “not available in compiled form.”
The reply has sparked criticism, particularly as the queries relate to core operational and public health service parameters of a premier central healthcare institution.
Observers say that while data may exist in raw records, the inability to provide it in compiled or accessible form raises concerns about documentation systems, data management practices, and internal monitoring mechanisms.
Healthcare and transparency activists argue that a premier institution like AIIMS is expected to maintain structured datasets for planning, accountability, and public reporting.
The absence of compiled data, they say, not only delays information delivery but also weakens public trust in institutional efficiency.
In a separate development, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu office has been accused of refusing to accept an RTI application sent through Speed Post by Advocate Hitesh Koul, Joint Secretary of the Young Lawyers Association.
According to the applicant, the application was returned with a remark advising that RTI queries should be filed through the online portal.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, who term it inconsistent with the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.
They point out that the law permits citizens to file RTI applications both physically and online, and administrative preference cannot override statutory rights.
“This sets a dangerous precedent if public offices start rejecting legally valid RTI applications on procedural grounds not prescribed under the law,” a senior legal practitioner observed, adding that such practices could effectively restrict access to information.
Taken together, the two cases point towards what activists describe as a “growing pattern of procedural evasion” and reluctance in facilitating timely access to public information.
Members of the legal fraternity and civil society groups have called for immediate corrective measures, including sensitisation of public information systems and strict adherence to RTI timelines and procedures.
They have also demanded accountability for officials responsible for delaying or denying lawful information requests.
Many believe these cases could soon escalate into appeals before First Appellate Authorities and State or Central Information Commissions, depending on jurisdictional review.
As the debate intensifies, attention is now firmly on how these institutions respond whether by strengthening compliance mechanisms and record management systems, or facing deeper scrutiny over transparency practices in public governance.

19,612 challans issued to move coal since May 2025, RTI finds

Shillong Times: Shillong: Friday, 24 April 2026.
A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that 19,612 Mineral Transport Challans (MTCs) were issued for coal transportation in Meghalaya since May 1, 2025, while several coke-related queries were marked “nil” or “not available” by the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR).

The RTI, filed by CSWO president and RTI activist Agnes Kharshiing, sought detailed records on challans, departmental noting, revenue collection, and officials under the RTI Act, 2005.
In response to the query seeking copies of challans issued between January 1 and January 31 for the transportation of coal from East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills districts, the department stated that the documents are provided as “Annexure-I.”
The department confirmed that a total of 19,612 MTCs were issued for coal transportation from May 1, 2025, till the date of the RTI reply. The department could not furnish any information about the number of challans issued for the transportation of coke during the same period.
Regarding records of challans issued for coal transportation from January onwards, the reply stated: “Annexure-II enclosed.” However, when similar notes were sought for coke transportation, the department said the information was “not available.”
Regarding revenue collection, the DMR stated that over Rs 11.32 crore had been collected from coal transportation, and that the figures were reconciled up to December 2025. For coke transportation, the department again stated that the information on the amount collected was “not available.”
The RTI also sought details of officials, to which the department identified Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as the Minister in charge and named M.B. Tongper as Director of the Directorate of Mineral Resources at the time of the reply.
In response to a query seeking a clear photocopy of a challan issued to a specific truck (AS01 RC 5327) between January 1 and January 31, the department stated that the information was “Not available.”
The reply indicated that while consolidated figures on coal transportation and revenue were provided, several records particularly those relating to coke transportation and specific documentation were not available with the department or not furnished in the response.

सर्विस रिकॉर्ड निजी जानकारी, RTI Act के तहत इसका खुलासा करने से छूट: बॉम्बे हाईकोर्ट

Times of India: Gandhinagar: Thursday, 23 April 2026.

बॉम्बे हाईकोर्ट ने फैसला दिया कि सर्विस रिकॉर्ड निजी जानकारी होती है, जिसे सूचना का अधिकार (RTI Act) के तहत सार्वजनिक करने से छूट मिली हुई। कोर्ट ने कहा कि ऐसी जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का आदेश तब तक नहीं दिया जा सकता, जब तक कि संबंधित अथॉरिटी इस बात से संतुष्ट न हो जाए कि व्यापक जनहित के लिए ऐसा करना ज़रूरी है।
जस्टिस आबासाहेब डी. शिंदे एक रिट याचिका पर सुनवाई कर रहे थे। इस याचिका में राज्य सूचना आयोग के उस आदेश को चुनौती दी गई, जिसमें डिप्टी सुपरिटेंडेंट ऑफ़ पुलिस के सर्विस रिकॉर्ड को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश दिया गया। याचिका के जवाब में प्रतिवादी ने RTI Act के तहत याचिकाकर्ता के सर्विस रिकॉर्ड से जुड़ी जानकारी मांगी, जिसमें उसकी नौकरी से संबंधित विवरण भी शामिल थे। सूचना अधिकारी और प्रथम अपीलीय अथॉरिटी दोनों ने ही इस आवेदन को खारिज कर दिया। हालांकि, दूसरी अपील में राज्य सूचना आयोग ने इस अनुरोध को स्वीकार कर लिया और जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश दिया।
याचिकाकर्ता ने दलील दी कि मांगी गई जानकारी उसके निजी सर्विस रिकॉर्ड से संबंधित थी और प्रतिवादी का ऐसी जानकारी से कोई लेना-देना नहीं था। उसने आगे कहा कि सूचना आयोग RTI Act की धारा 8(1)(j) के प्रावधानों पर विचार करने में विफल रहा। यह धारा निजी जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने से छूट देती है। साथ ही आयोग ने धारा 11 के तहत याचिकाकर्ता को 'तीसरे पक्ष' के तौर पर सुनवाई का अवसर देने की शर्त का भी पालन नहीं किया। दूसरी ओर, प्रतिवादी ने दलील दी कि यह जानकारी इस बात की पुष्टि करने के लिए ज़रूरी है कि क्या याचिकाकर्ता ने वैध जाति प्रमाण पत्र के आधार पर नौकरी हासिल की है और इसमें जनहित भी शामिल है।
कोर्ट ने RTI Act की वैधानिक व्यवस्था की जांच की और पाया कि धारा 8(1)(j) स्पष्ट रूप से निजी जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने से छूट देती है, जब तक कि जनहित में ऐसा करना उचित न हो। कोर्ट ने आगे कहा कि किसी तीसरे पक्ष से संबंधित जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश देने से पहले अथॉरिटी के लिए यह ज़रूरी है कि वह RTI Act की धारा 11 का पालन करे। इसके तहत संबंधित व्यक्ति को नोटिस जारी करना और उसे सुनवाई का अवसर देना अनिवार्य है। कोर्ट ने पाया कि इस मामले में जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश देने से पहले याचिकाकर्ता को ऐसा कोई अवसर नहीं दिया गया।
कोर्ट ने फैसला दिया कि चुनौती दिया गया आदेश RTI Act की धारा 8(1)(j) और 11 के प्रावधानों के विपरीत है। ऐसा इसलिए है, क्योंकि इस आदेश में जनहित की संतुष्टि दर्ज किए बिना और प्रभावित पक्ष को सुनवाई का अवसर दिए बिना ही निजी जानकारी को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश दे दिया गया।
कोर्ट ने टिप्पणी की,
"...दूसरी अपीलीय अथॉरिटी द्वारा पारित विवादित आदेश न केवल धारा 8 (1) (j) के प्रावधानों के विपरीत है—क्योंकि यह जानकारी याचिकाकर्ता के सर्विस रिकॉर्ड, यानी उसकी निजी जानकारी से संबंधित है। इसे स्पष्ट रूप से जानकारी सार्वजनिक करने के दायरे से छूट दी गई—बल्कि यह RTI Actम की धारा 11 के प्रावधानों के भी विपरीत है।"
तदनुसार, हाईकोर्ट ने रिट याचिका स्वीकार की और राज्य सूचना आयोग का आदेश रद्द किया, जिसमें याचिकाकर्ता के सर्विस रिकॉर्ड को सार्वजनिक करने का निर्देश दिया गया।
Case Title: Narsing Ganpatrao Ankushkar vs. Balaji Pandharinath Thorat & Ors. [Writ Petition No. 4075 of 2015]

Gujarat: 11 out of 27 govt depts have not submitted PAD certificates

Times of India: Gandhinagar: Thursday, 23 April 2026.
In spite of a Supreme Court order and several circulars from the state's general administration department (GAD), 11 of the 27 state govt departments have not submitted proactive disclosure (PAD) certificates. Information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act further states that less than 1% of public authorities only 75 of the 11,883 have provided PAD certificates.

All govt departments and all public authorities are required to make proactive disclosures of basic details and data of their respective departments and scope of work, so that elementary information need not be obtained by filing RTI applications.
According to a GAD circular dated July 17, 2019, heads of all districts and civic bodies along with boards and corporations must provide certificates of PAD to their respective department, and each department must provide its certificate to the GAD.
"If an RTI cell has been set up in the GAD, then it should have consolidated data of PAD certificates. We had to file two appeals after making an RTI application for this data, and information was provided only after the second appeal made in the commission," said RTI applicant Alpesh Bhavsar.
Bhavsar said that information received from the GAD after the second appeal said that only 16 departments have updated PAD, and GAD had no information available regarding the remaining 11 departments. "Interestingly, the GAD, which is responsible for monitoring implementation of PAD and has issued 17 circulars for the same, has not updated its own PAD," Bhavsari said.
Bhavsar said that according to the information received through RTI, there are a total of 11,883 public authorities in the state, and it appears that only 75 public authorities have submitted certificates as per the GAD circular. "Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act, which deals with proactive disclosures, and circulars of the Union DoPT ministry are being violated in a big way in Gujarat," Bhavsar claimed.
Pankti Jog, convener of Mahiti Adhikar Pahel Gujarat (MAPG), said a Supreme Court order clearly states that the information commission is expected to ensure that PAD certificates are submitted. "In this background, it was expected that the Gujarat information commission (GIC) should have directed the GAD to ensure implementation of the circular. It is disappointing that GIC has not made GAD accountable in its order. PADs are the heart of the RTI Act. It is unfortunate that GIC is not taking adequate steps to ensure its implementation," she said.

58,881 displaced, 10,000 homes destroyed in Manipur since 2023 violence: RTI report

Hindustan Times: Manipur: Thursday, 23 April 2026.
RTI reply reveals 58,881 displaced, over 10,000 houses damaged in Manipur violence; 217 deaths recorded based on ex gratia payments by the state.

58,881 displaced, 10,000 homes destroyed in Manipur since 2023 violence: RTI report

A total of 58,881 individuals were displaced as a result of the ethnic violence in Manipur from May 3, 2023, to March 30 this year, according to the Manipur government in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query.
The government provided the data on Monday, responding to an RTI filed in September last year by Congress leader from Manipur, Hareshwar Goshwami, seeking information on the status of displaced persons affected by the Manipur violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Responding to Goshwami’s query regarding the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) since the beginning of the Manipur crisis, the state home department said that as of March 30 this year, Manipur has 58,881 displaced people.
The RTI response further stated that there are currently 7,894 permanently destroyed housing units and 2,646 partially damaged houses, in response to a query on the total number of houses completely and partially destroyed since May 3, 2023.
On a separate query regarding the total number of deaths and injuries in connection with the Manipur crisis since May 3, 2023, the government stated that the number of deaths was 217, as per ex gratia paid to the next of kin.
To be sure, over 260 people have been killed in the ethnic violence so far. The government’s response to the RTI query mentions only those deaths in which ex gratia was paid.
The government added that, till March 10 this year, the state had a total of 174 relief camps, and a total of 3,000 pre-fabricated houses were constructed by Manipur Police Housing Corporation (MPHC) Limited.
The reply mentioned that under special assistance for the operation of relief camps, a total amount of ₹424.36 crore was approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, of which ₹217.4 crore was released. A total of ₹284.6 crore was released to Deputy Commissioners (DCs).
Under the special package for rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), a total amount of ₹523 crore has been approved by the ministry, out of which ₹124.50 crore has been released.
Besides, a total amount of ₹65.1635 crore was released to DCs. Additionally, under a state scheme for support for the purchase of mattresses and personal items, ₹14.24 crore was issued.
“Out of all the responses against nine queries, 30–40% responses are not satisfactory, while the remaining 60% responses are partially satisfactory,” the RTI appellant told HT.
Goshwami said the ministry has already approved and sanctioned funds for special assistance for the operation of relief camps and another special package for rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Information Commission (MIC) on Tuesday directed the Manipur home department to provide complete and consolidated state-level information on IDPs arising out of the crisis in the state within 15 days.
The directive was issued by State information commissioner Nungshitombi Athokpam while disposing of an appeal Case, filed by Hareshwar Goshwami against the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) and officials of the home department, alleging that the authorities failed to provide consolidated information on relief camps, deaths and health conditions of IDPs.

The commission directed that the Manipur home department, as the nodal authority, must provide comprehensive data and ruled that the information is disclosable under the RTI Act.