Times of India: Dharwad: Sunday,
February 1, 2026.
Expressing serious concern over the mounting backlog of Right to Information (RTI) applications in Karnataka, the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) has sharply criticised govt officials for delays in furnishing information and warned of stringent penal action against erring officers.
Speaking to the
media after a training programme on RTI application disposal in Dharwad on
Saturday, state information commissioner Rudranna Hartikoti said more than
54,000 RTI applications have been pending across the state for a long period,
while an additional 10,000 applications were filed in 2025 alone. He cautioned
that public information officers (PIOs) who evade or delay providing
information will face penalties, and failure to pay such fines could even
result in the withholding of retirement benefits.
After Bengaluru, Kolar district has the highest number of undisposed RTI applications, while Dharwad district ranks seventh, Hartikoti noted. He said officials cannot give vague replies or simply reject applications. "Every citizen has the right to seek information on govt projects, and officials are duty-bound to provide it. Allegations of blackmail will not arise if information is shared transparently and on time," he said.
So far, the commission has toured 22 districts and held meetings with officials to address apprehensions and boost their confidence, Hartikoti said.
Providing department-wise data, Hartikoti said the highest pendency is in the rural development and panchayat raj department with 11,014 applications, followed by the revenue department (5,517), urban development (4,221), education (1,544), social welfare (1,055) and the public works department (1,024).
Over the past year, the KIC has disposed of 32,992 RTI applications and is confident of clearing the remaining backlog soon. So far, 10,649 officials have been penalised, with fines amounting to Rs 10.3 crore imposed for failure to provide information. In Dharwad district alone, 95 officials have faced penalties, Hartikoti said, reiterating that retirement benefits would be withheld from those who fail to pay the fines.
Meanwhile, state information commissioner Rajshekar S said the RTI Act is a fundamental right that has enhanced transparency in governance since its implementation. He stressed that officials are required to provide information within 30 days of receiving an RTI application.
He added that RTI pendency is particularly high in the Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka regions, prompting the commission to visit districts across North Karnataka to create awareness among officials. Govt has also been advised to review RTI applications during KDP meetings to ensure timely disposal, he said.
Expressing serious concern over the mounting backlog of Right to Information (RTI) applications in Karnataka, the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) has sharply criticised govt officials for delays in furnishing information and warned of stringent penal action against erring officers.
After Bengaluru, Kolar district has the highest number of undisposed RTI applications, while Dharwad district ranks seventh, Hartikoti noted. He said officials cannot give vague replies or simply reject applications. "Every citizen has the right to seek information on govt projects, and officials are duty-bound to provide it. Allegations of blackmail will not arise if information is shared transparently and on time," he said.
So far, the commission has toured 22 districts and held meetings with officials to address apprehensions and boost their confidence, Hartikoti said.
Providing department-wise data, Hartikoti said the highest pendency is in the rural development and panchayat raj department with 11,014 applications, followed by the revenue department (5,517), urban development (4,221), education (1,544), social welfare (1,055) and the public works department (1,024).
Over the past year, the KIC has disposed of 32,992 RTI applications and is confident of clearing the remaining backlog soon. So far, 10,649 officials have been penalised, with fines amounting to Rs 10.3 crore imposed for failure to provide information. In Dharwad district alone, 95 officials have faced penalties, Hartikoti said, reiterating that retirement benefits would be withheld from those who fail to pay the fines.
Meanwhile, state information commissioner Rajshekar S said the RTI Act is a fundamental right that has enhanced transparency in governance since its implementation. He stressed that officials are required to provide information within 30 days of receiving an RTI application.
He added that RTI pendency is particularly high in the Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka regions, prompting the commission to visit districts across North Karnataka to create awareness among officials. Govt has also been advised to review RTI applications during KDP meetings to ensure timely disposal, he said.
.JPG)
.JPG)
