Chhattisgarh Information Commissioner Ashok Agrawal said to bring transparency in functioning of the state government the Right to Information Act is playing a key role. All government officers and employees have to know about the Act and its provisions.
He was addressing the one day training workshop of first appeal officer, public information officers and assistant information officers organised at Indian Red Cross Society’s conference hall on Thursday at Raipur. Information Commissioner Mohan Rao Pawar and Raipur Collector Dr S Bharatidasan also addressed the gathering.
He added on receipt of application the PIO should commence the process and reply within 30 days. If the information is in detail, based on page the demand letter should be prepared.
He said one application should have one subject but if there is more than one subject then it should also be replied. The appeal officers should listen to both the sides and in case of applicant not present, the application should not be rejected, citing his absence. Appeal officer has also responsibility of implementing the decisions and name of officers and post should also be written.
Even if the information is available on website or online, it should also be given. Agrawal pointed out there is reduction in application regarding MGNREGA and PMAY. Now even students can obtain their answer sheets through an RTI application.
