Chümoukedima, October 12 (MExN): Chümoukedima district officials, various sections of the community including the Village Councils, Village Development Boards, Students, Media, NGOs, and civil society organisations were sensitized on the Right to Information Act, 2005 and how it must be utilized in good faith for the overall good of society.
In accordance with the State Commission, RTI week was observed at CTC Hall, Chümoukedima under the theme, ‘RTI- a tool for transparent and accountable governance,’ on October 11. Advocate Vikuolie Nihu Kera was the resource person for the event, according to a DIPR report.
As per the DIPR, Kera stated that RTI Act is considered ‘the second independence for the citizens of India’ as it grants a statutory right to information for every citizen, to contain corruption and secure transparency and accountability from public authorities. He also informed on what cannot be asked and what information cannot be given are exempted information under sections 8 & 9, the exempted organization under section 24 & Schedule II (Intelligence & Security organization).
Elaborating on the prescribed time duration to respond to requests for various categories of information, he also mentioned that RTI has been enacted in public interest and should not be used for a malafide purposes. He advised the citizens to enjoy their rights but remember their duties and obligation. The public has the right to appeal to the Public Information Officers (PIOs) or Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs), and go for a second appeal to the Nagaland Information Commission within 90 days from the date on which the first appeal decision was made, he added.
He further appealed to RTI users to be sensible and responsible in using RTI. Even though RTI is usually used for the interest of the public he also warned that it can sometimes be misused with malicious intention. The RTI must be utilized in good faith for the overall good of society, he said while underscoring that the RTI was not created for fault findings but rather is created to ensure transparency in governance. He also called for prompt response to every application and pro-activeness in dealing with the matters of RTI, the DIPR report stated.
Earlier, the RTI week commenced with a keynote address by ADC, Chümoukedima, Dr Kuzonyi Wideo.
Citizens can contact the Nagaland State Information Commission at the following addresses: Post Box 148, Kohima, Nagaland-797001; Email: cic.nagaland@gmail.com; www.nlsic.nagaland.gov.in, it added.
