No public convention on RTI this October

DNA: Mumbai: Saturday, October 04, 2014.

For the first time since the enactment of the RTI Act there will be no public convention on the information law happening this year. This convention, which was an annual event, was held on October 12, the day the RTI Act was enacted in 2005.

On a number of occasions, the prime minister graced the event which was attended by commissioners and activists from across the country. The development has upset activists and citizens as it is the only law that has witnessed enormous public participation in its drafting and implementation.

"It is very unfortunate that the convention is not happening. Three months ago, an invitation was sent to the PM's office, but there was no response. It is the chief information commissioner who does the following up, but the post is vacant, so that has not happened," said Shailesh Gandhi, former central information commissioner.

There will, however, be a closed-door meeting of current and retired information commissioners. It is not known how many will attend.

"No one knows who will administer the meeting. It is not open to people and activists. If they want to clean up India in a true sense they should have appointed a chief central information commissioner. Also, temporary charge has not been given to any commissioner. Had they appointed a chief commissioner the convention would have been possible," said Bhaskar Prabhu, of Mahiti Adhikar Manch, an NGO that works towards creating awareness on RTI.