The Hindu: Kerala: Friday,
8 November 2024.
The inspection reveals unauthorised document alterations, falsified reports, and a lack of proper RTI file processing systems
A flash inspection carried
out under the leadership of Kerala State Information Commissioners (SICs) A.
Abdul Hakkim and T.K. Ramakrishnan in the Feroke municipal office on Thursday
(November 7) revealed grave negligence and irregularities on the part of
officials in handling applications submitted under the Right to Information
(RTI) Act.
The team found that officials handling RTI requests had made unauthorised document alterations and produced falsified reports. The Commissioners also disclosed receiving petitions about alleged efforts by some officials to intimidate RTI applicants, seemingly to conceal information from the public.
The inspection also revealed a lack of proper file catalogues and indexes for processing RTI queries, along with three vacant Assistant Public Information Officer positions. The official website of the municipality, launched around 20 years ago, did not contain the digitised data required under Section 4 of the RTI Act.
The Commissioners found serious lapses in publishing official orders and notices on the municipal website. They also held municipal authorities accountable for poor responses to RTI queries and reluctance to share basic information with citizens, even in cases where no formal RTI application was required.
They said the municipality has been given two weeks, at the request of officials, to address the identified issues. Conducting the inspection per Supreme Court directives, the Commissioners observed the absence of an Information Officer and other relevant officials during the inspection and review meeting.
The inspection reveals unauthorised document alterations, falsified reports, and a lack of proper RTI file processing systems
The team found that officials handling RTI requests had made unauthorised document alterations and produced falsified reports. The Commissioners also disclosed receiving petitions about alleged efforts by some officials to intimidate RTI applicants, seemingly to conceal information from the public.
The inspection also revealed a lack of proper file catalogues and indexes for processing RTI queries, along with three vacant Assistant Public Information Officer positions. The official website of the municipality, launched around 20 years ago, did not contain the digitised data required under Section 4 of the RTI Act.
The Commissioners found serious lapses in publishing official orders and notices on the municipal website. They also held municipal authorities accountable for poor responses to RTI queries and reluctance to share basic information with citizens, even in cases where no formal RTI application was required.
They said the municipality has been given two weeks, at the request of officials, to address the identified issues. Conducting the inspection per Supreme Court directives, the Commissioners observed the absence of an Information Officer and other relevant officials during the inspection and review meeting.
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