Free Press Kashmir: Srinagar: Friday, 11 July 2025.
The Resident Commission
Department of Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi is under scrutiny for failing to
respond to Right to Information (RTI) applications, with multiple activists
alleging that not a single request has been addressed in recent months.
RTI activists have raised serious concerns about the complete inaction from the department, which is supposed to act as a key liaison office between the Union Territory and the Centre, as well as with citizens and officials based in Delhi. According to applicants, all pending RTI requests are gathering dust, despite the legal requirement that authorities must respond within 30 days of receiving an application.
“The RTI Act is clear information must be provided within 30 days. But the Resident Commission in Delhi has turned a blind eye to every application. This is a blatant violation of the law,” said one RTI activist, requesting anonymity.
The lack of response has caused frustration among transparency campaigners, especially those seeking information related to travel expenditures, staff deployment, and official functions managed by the Resident Commission. Some believe the silence is deliberate, aimed at evading public scrutiny.
Legal experts warn that such non-compliance could invite penalties under Section 20 of the RTI Act, where Public Information Officers (PIOs) can be fined for unjustified delays or denials.
“This is not just administrative apathy; it undermines the citizens’ right to know,” said an RTI lawyer based in Srinagar.
The issue highlights a growing trend of official reluctance in sharing public information, particularly in sensitive departments. Activists are now planning to approach the Central Information Commission (CIC) seeking intervention and disciplinary action against the concerned PIOs.
Despite repeated attempts, no official comment has been made by the Resident Commission till the time of filing this report. [KNT]
RTI activists have raised serious concerns about the complete inaction from the department, which is supposed to act as a key liaison office between the Union Territory and the Centre, as well as with citizens and officials based in Delhi. According to applicants, all pending RTI requests are gathering dust, despite the legal requirement that authorities must respond within 30 days of receiving an application.
“The RTI Act is clear information must be provided within 30 days. But the Resident Commission in Delhi has turned a blind eye to every application. This is a blatant violation of the law,” said one RTI activist, requesting anonymity.
The lack of response has caused frustration among transparency campaigners, especially those seeking information related to travel expenditures, staff deployment, and official functions managed by the Resident Commission. Some believe the silence is deliberate, aimed at evading public scrutiny.
Legal experts warn that such non-compliance could invite penalties under Section 20 of the RTI Act, where Public Information Officers (PIOs) can be fined for unjustified delays or denials.
“This is not just administrative apathy; it undermines the citizens’ right to know,” said an RTI lawyer based in Srinagar.
The issue highlights a growing trend of official reluctance in sharing public information, particularly in sensitive departments. Activists are now planning to approach the Central Information Commission (CIC) seeking intervention and disciplinary action against the concerned PIOs.
Despite repeated attempts, no official comment has been made by the Resident Commission till the time of filing this report. [KNT]
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