RTI helps in bringing transparency in governance: CM

Daily Pioneer: Raipur: Tuesday, 06 October 2015.

Chief Minister Raman Singh on Monday said that with the introduction of Right To Information (RTI) Act a lot of transparency has been brought about in affairs of the administration.

“The process of work has been sped up and the officers are working as per the rules and regulations with utmost care. The citizens are also exercising their right,” he said.

The Chief Minister was addressing participants of a workshop on ‘Right To Information’ Act-2005 organised by the State Information Commission at New Circuit House here.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal presided over the function.  Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand was also present at the function.

The Chief Minister said that ‘Digital India’ mission will also help in providing information to the citizens. There are websites for all the departments of the State Government. The websites should be updated on a regular basis and the information should be provided to the general public, Singh said.

The people should not be harassed for getting minor information. They should not waste their time and money by running from pillar to post. The language used should be easy to understand for the citizens, Singh said. Even an illiterate should be provided with adequate information, the Chief Minister stated.

He appreciated the awareness among the masses regarding Right To Information in Chhattisgarh. About 64,000 petitions relating to Right to Information had been received till date, he said.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal said that Constitution has conferred many rights upon the citizens. Right To Information is one among them. It has become a medium to assess the work performance of the authorities and form valued judgement. The administration is more responsible and answerable to people at present, he said. Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand said that there is a change in the mindset of the officers with the advent of Right To Information Act (RTI). The officials cannot hide behind the Official Secrets Act. Earlier only MLAs used to question the officers and now even the general public have a right to seek information.