GreaterKashmir.com:Jammu:Sunday, February 19, 2012.
Chief Information Commissioner, J&K State, G R Sufi today said that a citizen has a right to seek information from a public authority for the service which is held by him or which is held under its control which includes inspection of work, documents and records, taking notes, extracts or certified copies of documents and taking samples of material under the Right to Information Act.
Sufi was addressing a workshop for PIOs under the RTI Act organized by Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) J&K Regional Branch and J&K State Information commission.
Emphasizing for making Right to Information a public movement, Sufi asked PIO’s to supply correct and complete information within the specified time to any person seeking information under the RTI, 2005.
Chairman, J&K Regional Branch IIPA, Dr. Ashok Bhan in his presidential remarks said that RTI Act unequivocally emphasizes that an informed citizenry and transparency of information are vital to the functioning of democracy and also to contain corruption and to hold Government and its instruments accountable to the citizens of the State. but it also recognizes likelihood of a conflict in practice in revelation of information with other public interests including efficient operation of the government, optimum use of limited fiscal resources and the preservation of confidentiality of sensitive information. "The Act harmonizes these conflicting interests while preserving paramountcy of the democratic ideal. Democratic ideal of right to information thus stands at a higher pedestal but there is also a case for harmonizing the conflicting interests. The PIOs must, therefore, respect the right of citizens to information," he said.
Sufi was addressing a workshop for PIOs under the RTI Act organized by Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) J&K Regional Branch and J&K State Information commission.
Emphasizing for making Right to Information a public movement, Sufi asked PIO’s to supply correct and complete information within the specified time to any person seeking information under the RTI, 2005.
Chairman, J&K Regional Branch IIPA, Dr. Ashok Bhan in his presidential remarks said that RTI Act unequivocally emphasizes that an informed citizenry and transparency of information are vital to the functioning of democracy and also to contain corruption and to hold Government and its instruments accountable to the citizens of the State. but it also recognizes likelihood of a conflict in practice in revelation of information with other public interests including efficient operation of the government, optimum use of limited fiscal resources and the preservation of confidentiality of sensitive information. "The Act harmonizes these conflicting interests while preserving paramountcy of the democratic ideal. Democratic ideal of right to information thus stands at a higher pedestal but there is also a case for harmonizing the conflicting interests. The PIOs must, therefore, respect the right of citizens to information," he said.
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