Thakare stresses on RTI efficiency.

Times of India: Nagpur: Monday, December 29, 2025.

Stressing the need for accountability in implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Amravati information commissioner and retired IAS officer Ravindra Thakare on Sunday said the focus must shift to understanding why information is denied in the first place, forcing applicants to file first appeals. Speaking at the Jansamvaad, organised by NGO Janmanch, Thakare said as RTI information already exists with departments, then why is it not being supplied within the mandatory 30-day period? 

Thakare revealed that nearly 70–80% of RTI officials are not functioning as per the spirit of the law. "Without a first appeal, almost no one gets the information they ask for," he said. Thakare said that although India has strong laws, very few citizens actually use them effectively. He urged retired officials to take responsibility as stakeholders in democracy & actively support citizens in understanding & exercising their rights under RTI. 

Thakare said prolonged delays often lead to applicants losing interest. To address logistical challenges, the Information Commission has adopted video conference hearings, especially post-Covid, he said.