Give priority to RTI Act: DC Kma tells officers

Nagaland Post‎: Kohima: Thursday, October 13, 2016.

Deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor, today told the officers and staff dealing with Right to Information Act (RTI) to be vigilant and give utmost priority to the Act and furnish details without delay in order to avoid penalty.

In his keynote address during the RTI Week observance programme held at DC conference hall, here Tuesday on the theme, “RTI Act and role of NGOs & CSOs”, the DC, who was also the First Appellate Authority, reminded furnishing details to information commission for easy access of all information through their website.

He also asked the public information officers (PIOs) and assistant public information officers (APIOs) to maintain proper record of whatever information were furnished. DC also emphasized on the use of technical experts to furnish desired information without the loss of working hours.

Further, Mor said that though every citizen could take privilege of using RTI Act to ask for any information pertaining to any issue, there should not be any ill intention to misuse the Act.

DC said RTI Act has tremendously empowered the citizens to access various vital information from government set up. Stating that loopholes in the functioning of the government departments have been rectified through the Act, the DC, therefore, asserted that misuse of the RTI Act by a citizen should not be encouraged.

He appealed to all the NGOs to sensitize the public to make use of RTI Act and its provisions in the appropriate manner for specific interest so that it would help the government and public authorities to rectify the lapses in its functioning.

Mor also emphasised on creating awareness on proper use of the Act that would ensure transparency in the working of the government and instil greater confidence in the citizens, government and its machinery.

PIO and additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Kohima, Lithrongla Tongpi, chaired the programme. Resource persons at the programme included EAC (Sadar) Kohima, Thejavizo Nakhro; DPO, DRDA Kohima, Rokozelie Usou and PO, ADC (Planning), Kohima, Nchungbemo Lotha. DPRO, Kohima screened a documentary on RTI. Staff representation from Chiephobozou, Tseminyu, Jakhama, Sechu-Zubza and Botsa attended the programme.

RTI Dimapur: RTI Week in Dimapur: RTI Week observance in Dimapur was held in the conference hall of DC, Dimapur October 12 on the theme “RTI and role of NGOs and CSOs”.

According to a DIPR report, ADC Dimapur, Elizabeth, in her brief speech, stated that RTI Act empowered citizens as public could obtain clarifications for all their doubts with the help of the Act.

She further observed that through RTI, transparency and accountability in the government functioning was maintained. ADC also informed about the RTI cells existing in all the departments and emphasised on the role of NGOs and CSOs. She further advised all responsible not to misuse RTI Act but to avail the opportunity for benefit of the society.

SDO Civil, James Swu, said that government has been giving much importance to this Act as the most people friendly. RTI Week observance programme was attended by representatives from NGOs, CSOs and government officials.