Times of India:
Ahmedabad: Tuesday, April 16, 2013.
Many public
authorities in the state neglect record keeping and maintenance and there was a
need to change the mindset of the establishment at the local self government,
the Gujarat Information Commission (GIC) has observed.
The GIC, in
its annual report for the year 2011-12, has stated every public authority
should maintain all records in proper format and even suggested that
computerization of the data should be done wherever possible. Also, the data
has to be maintained with proper classification.
It is
mandatory for every public authority to keep and maintain records to facilitate
the right of information.
The GIC
suggested there should be an annual review of the maintenance of the records
for effective implementation of the Right to Information Act. It said it was
necessary to determine the number of public authorities and their first
appellate officer under each department. The departments should also on regular
basis inform the commission, it added.
The GIC
mentioned that under the Act, it was necessary to send reports to the
commission stating the efforts made by the public authorities, but not a single
authority sent details of the specific efforts or arrangements made for the proper
implementation of the act during 2011-12.
The
Commission noted that every public authority has to undertake such measures and
stated Public Information Officers (PIOs) are not paying attention to the
requests made to them.
The PIOs also
do not maintain record of the applications received and disposed off and there
is no review of such disposal at any level. The GIC has noted there has been an
increase in the appeals and complaints and further suggested there is a need
for review of the timely disposal of the applications. Also, there is no action
taken on the first appeals by the first appellate authority, it added.
The GIC
observed that lowest level employees were appointed as PIOs and similarly first
appellate officer were also from the lowest level employees.
The
commission noted that a massive capacity building exercise and training needs
to be undertaken. The capacity building exercise was needed to change the
mindset of the establishment at the local self government, which according to
the report, will be a major hindrance in good governance.
It also
suggested there should be some incentive for the PIO and the first appellate
officer as they were given the task over and above their general duties and
work. In order to create the right attitude, it was necessary to reward the
best performing public information officer and the first appellate officer, The
GIC added.
It said this
must be done with proper honorarium or compensation to every PIO for their
work.
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