Kashmir Life: Srinagar: Saturday, 25 April 2026.
Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a sharp rise in the use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, with over 45,000 applications filed through the Union Territory’s RTI Online Portal in just over a year, reflecting increased public engagement with transparency mechanisms.
.png)
The information was
disclosed by the General Administration Department (GAD) in response to an RTI
application filed by JK-based activist and lawyer Rasikh Rasool Bhat.
As per official data, a total of 45,275 RTI applications were received between January 10, 2025 and March 31, 2026. During the same period, 6,061 first appeals were also filed, indicating that a number of applicants sought review of responses from public authorities.
The GAD further stated that 40,310 applications have been disposed of, while 4,498 first appeals have been decided so far. The figures indicate a disposal rate of nearly 90 percent, though several cases remain pending.
However, the department declined to share details regarding the total fee collected through RTI applications and its department-wise breakup, stating that the information sought does not fall under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act as it would require compilation beyond available records.
The response was issued by the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), GAD, Civil Secretariat, JK, on April 24, 2026. The applicant retains the right to file a first appeal within 30 days under the provisions of the Act.
The data highlights the growing use of RTI as a key instrument of accountability and transparency in governance across Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a sharp rise in the use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, with over 45,000 applications filed through the Union Territory’s RTI Online Portal in just over a year, reflecting increased public engagement with transparency mechanisms.
.png)
As per official data, a total of 45,275 RTI applications were received between January 10, 2025 and March 31, 2026. During the same period, 6,061 first appeals were also filed, indicating that a number of applicants sought review of responses from public authorities.
The GAD further stated that 40,310 applications have been disposed of, while 4,498 first appeals have been decided so far. The figures indicate a disposal rate of nearly 90 percent, though several cases remain pending.
However, the department declined to share details regarding the total fee collected through RTI applications and its department-wise breakup, stating that the information sought does not fall under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act as it would require compilation beyond available records.
The response was issued by the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), GAD, Civil Secretariat, JK, on April 24, 2026. The applicant retains the right to file a first appeal within 30 days under the provisions of the Act.
The data highlights the growing use of RTI as a key instrument of accountability and transparency in governance across Jammu and Kashmir.
.JPG)
.JPG)
