Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: In a significant move to address the efficacy of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Chief Information Commissioner of India, Heeralal Samariya, has underscored the importance of this legislation while also pointing out its misuse by a segment of RTI activists. Enacted in 2005, the RTI Act is a cornerstone of good governance, ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations.
Samariya emphasized that the RTI Act is crucial in a democratic country, as it allows citizens to be informed about government activities, thereby fostering good governance.
However, he noted that the system is being exploited by some individuals. “We receive nearly 50 lakh RTI applications annually, with 97% of them being disposed of within 30 days by public information officers. The remaining 2-3% are handled in the first appellate stage, and only a small fraction reaches the State Information Commissioner,” Samariya explained.
Despite the efficient disposal mechanism, a significant backlog persists, necessitating the appointment of more commissioners.
Samariya highlighted that in the last four and a half years, it has become evident that while 70-75% of RTI applications are genuine and serve the public interest, a substantial number are misused.
“About 25-30% of the applications are filed by individuals who are either exploiting the system or using it as a means to find employment. This misuse hampers the efficiency of the department and diverts resources away from genuine applicants,” he stated.
Genuine applications, however, play a vital role in keeping government departments active and alert. “These applications ensure that officers are diligent in their duties and work in the interest of society and the people,” Samariya added.
