Dimapur, October 5 (DIPR): One of the finest weapon RTI Act after Indian Independence, Nagaland along with the rest of the country has been completing its 5 years this week which began today i.e from October 5 – 12 and celebrating it in keeping view of this.
Disclosing to the media persons at his office chamber, Nagaland State Chief Information Commissioner P. Talitemjen said that RTI Act is a big tool to bring about facts and shines in all the corners. He said that it needs to supply the books to learn persons the RTI Act without any discrimination. He further added that different approached and explained the scope of RTI should be covered in all the sections of the rural areas who are illiterate would take time to nurture but by and large RTI is going underway. It will be shaped by itself by learning, he added. He also said that it is not imposed by the government but it is the demand of the people for building the trust. Adding that, becoming people’s movement is being the observation seen.
P. Talitemjen while interacting with the media person said that we need more seminars, campaigns to engage the PIOs/APIOs and NGOs for awareness of the RTI Act. The designated PIOs/APIOs under Appellate Authority exist in the State is to receive the application from citizens and to assist them. He further added that, at present only 570 RTI cases have been reported by the department during the year 2007-09. He also informed that VDBs/VECs and other civil societies are also right to answerable to the public because they are also covering by the funds allocated by the government.
In the Annual Implementation Report of RTI, a total of 412 persons have undergone training, a total of 169 NGOs and other bodies and 436 government officials have undergone RTI trainings in the ATI.
State Information Commissioner Dr. W. Pongsing Konyak said that looking at the RTI Act disclosure, 9 departments are defaulters, 65 departments have been given defaulters and the two departments are under submission. Using of RTI Act by Youth Net Nagaland, collective lawyers and others are the good signs and asked the public/NGOs to take active and participate to spread awareness for transparency. State Information Commissioner Dr. Kuhoi Zhimomi also gave basic information on RTI Act on how to go about in the near future.
Discussing the role of Rights to Information, Talitemjen called upon the media persons to give more media coverage so as to educate the mass people to bring awareness about the RTI. He added that RTI is an important tool, which is the voice of the citizen for constructive implementation but should not be misused for any selfishness but to put in the right direction and point the areas of concern to bring justice.
