Herald Goa: Margao: Saturday,
4 January 2025.
In a landmark ruling, the
Goa State Information Commission (GSIC) has imposed a penalty of Rs 22,500 on
Custodio Faria, Panchayat Secretary of Majorda-Utorda-Calata Village Panchayat,
for failing to provide information within the statutory timelines mandated by
the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The Commission's order sternly underscores accountability, directing the Directorate of Panchayats to recover the penalty within 10 days of receiving the order and to submit a compliance report within two working days. Additionally, it has mandated that any legal expenses incurred by Faria in connection with this case be borne personally and not funded by public money.
The GSIC also highlighted the need for proper training and sensitisation of first appellate authorities under the Directorate of Panchayats to enhance compliance with RTI obligations in the future.
The penalty follows a complaint filed by Sharlet Fernandes, a Panchayat member, who alleged that Faria had failed to disclose information requested in an RTI application filed in February 2023. Fernandes asserted that the Panchayat Secretary neglected his responsibilities, leading to the GSIC's intervention.
This case sets a strong precedent for enforcing transparency and accountability in local governance and underscores the critical role of the RTI Act in ensuring public access to information.
The Commission's order sternly underscores accountability, directing the Directorate of Panchayats to recover the penalty within 10 days of receiving the order and to submit a compliance report within two working days. Additionally, it has mandated that any legal expenses incurred by Faria in connection with this case be borne personally and not funded by public money.
The GSIC also highlighted the need for proper training and sensitisation of first appellate authorities under the Directorate of Panchayats to enhance compliance with RTI obligations in the future.
The penalty follows a complaint filed by Sharlet Fernandes, a Panchayat member, who alleged that Faria had failed to disclose information requested in an RTI application filed in February 2023. Fernandes asserted that the Panchayat Secretary neglected his responsibilities, leading to the GSIC's intervention.
This case sets a strong precedent for enforcing transparency and accountability in local governance and underscores the critical role of the RTI Act in ensuring public access to information.