Herald Goa: Margao: Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Flags ambiguity in RTI appeals, mandates typed entries, calls for record retention guidelines in govt depts.
The Goa State Information Commission (SIC) has directed the Public Information Officer (PIO), who is also the Secretary of the Village Panchayat of Utorda-Majorda, to ensure that requested information is provided to the seekers within 10 to 15 days going forward.
Atmaram R. Bharve, the State Information Commissioner, further instructed the Panchayat Department to immediately initiate steps to implement a record retention policy for both documentary and electronic records under its administrative authority. The department was also directed to submit a compliance report on or before February 15.
The issue arose when Sharlet Fernandes, a Panchayat member, sought information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. However, the Panchayat Secretary informed her that the information she requested was unavailable and could not be provided. As a result, Fernandes appealed to the State Information Commission.
Upon reviewing the case, the SIC observed that the roznama entry, through which the first appellate authority had disposed of the appeal, was handwritten and largely illegible, creating significant ambiguity. This issue was highlighted as something that needed to be addressed by the concerned parties.
While disposing of the matter, the SIC emphasized that electronic data, including CCTV footage, is subject to the Right to Information Act. The Commission also instructed the Panchayat Department to issue proper guidelines to first appellate authorities, ensuring that the roznama is recorded in a typed format, rather than handwritten.
Additionally, the SIC called on the Government of Goa, through its Chief Secretary, to take immediate steps to formulate a record retention policy for both documentary and electronic records across all departments that fall under the ambit of the RTI Act. This process must be completed in a timely manner.
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