East Mojo: Dimapur: Thursday,
10 October 2024.
Addressing the increasing misuse of the Act, Jamir distinguished between genuine RTI applicants and those who seek to harass government officials
During the Right to
Information (RTI) Week celebrations in Jalukie, organized by the Nagaland
Information Commission (NIC), Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Nagaland,
I Meyionen Jamir, highlighted key issues surrounding the implementation and
misuse of the RTI Act. He praised the Act for promoting transparency but raised
concerns over individuals using it for ulterior motives.
Addressing the increasing misuse of the Act, Jamir distinguished between genuine RTI applicants and those who seek to harass government officials. "Real RTI applicants come with specific questions, showing good intentions," Jamir explained. In contrast, some misuse the law by asking for extensive records that overburden officials and drain resources.
Jamir noted that RTI applications in Nagaland have significantly declined since their peak in 2015-16, with over 5,000 applications submitted that year. He attributed this drop to improved record-keeping by public authorities and a growing awareness among RTI activists that pursuing frivolous appeals is unproductive. “The record maintenance by public authorities has improved, and activists have realized the futility of filing appeals solely to harass officials,” Jamir said.
When asked about penalties for those misusing the RTI Act, Jamir clarified that the law does not provide direct punishment for such actions. However, if an applicant's behavior crosses into harassment or intimidation, public authorities can file a First Information Report (FIR) against them. "While the Act does not penalize misuse, officials can take action if harassment occurs," he said.
Jamir also encouraged government departments to file complaints if they experience undue pressure from misuse of the RTI Act, though such cases are rare. “I would encourage departments facing hardships due to misuse of the Act to file FIRs,” he suggested.
Regarding possible compromises between RTI applicants and Public Information Officers (PIOs), Jamir admitted that the NIC is unaware of such instances unless an appeal is filed. He also provided insights into RTI application distribution across Nagaland, noting that Kohima leads in the number of applications filed, followed by Dimapur, Peren, and Mokokchung.
Jamir concluded by acknowledging the mixed nature of RTI applications, but encouraged genuine information seekers to continue filing applications, emphasizing their role in benefiting the general public. “We appreciate those working for the public welfare and will continue to encourage them,” he said.
Addressing the increasing misuse of the Act, Jamir distinguished between genuine RTI applicants and those who seek to harass government officials
Addressing the increasing misuse of the Act, Jamir distinguished between genuine RTI applicants and those who seek to harass government officials. "Real RTI applicants come with specific questions, showing good intentions," Jamir explained. In contrast, some misuse the law by asking for extensive records that overburden officials and drain resources.
Jamir noted that RTI applications in Nagaland have significantly declined since their peak in 2015-16, with over 5,000 applications submitted that year. He attributed this drop to improved record-keeping by public authorities and a growing awareness among RTI activists that pursuing frivolous appeals is unproductive. “The record maintenance by public authorities has improved, and activists have realized the futility of filing appeals solely to harass officials,” Jamir said.
When asked about penalties for those misusing the RTI Act, Jamir clarified that the law does not provide direct punishment for such actions. However, if an applicant's behavior crosses into harassment or intimidation, public authorities can file a First Information Report (FIR) against them. "While the Act does not penalize misuse, officials can take action if harassment occurs," he said.
Jamir also encouraged government departments to file complaints if they experience undue pressure from misuse of the RTI Act, though such cases are rare. “I would encourage departments facing hardships due to misuse of the Act to file FIRs,” he suggested.
Regarding possible compromises between RTI applicants and Public Information Officers (PIOs), Jamir admitted that the NIC is unaware of such instances unless an appeal is filed. He also provided insights into RTI application distribution across Nagaland, noting that Kohima leads in the number of applications filed, followed by Dimapur, Peren, and Mokokchung.
Jamir concluded by acknowledging the mixed nature of RTI applications, but encouraged genuine information seekers to continue filing applications, emphasizing their role in benefiting the general public. “We appreciate those working for the public welfare and will continue to encourage them,” he said.
.JPG)
.JPG)
