Karnataka: RTI Implementation Delayed Due to Officers’ Lack of Awareness, Say Information Commissioners
Bengaluru: Delays in resolving RTI applications are largely caused by lack of awareness among government officers, observed Karnataka Information Commissioners at a district-level workshop. The event emphasized that proper understanding and responsible use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act can ensure transparency and accountability in public administration.
Presiding over the session held at the Zilla Panchayat Hall, State Information Commissioner Dr. Harish Kumar said, “The core objective of the RTI Act is to make public records freely accessible to citizens and promote transparency in governance. If implemented properly, the RTI Act is one of the simplest and most effective laws available to the public.”
Harish Kumar stressed that misuse of RTI can be prevented by well-informed officers, and that departments like rural development, panchayat raj, finance, NREGA, revenue, urban development, and PWD receive the highest number of RTI applications. Officers with full information can ensure faster RTI disposal, he said.
Quoting a Supreme Court directive, he highlighted the need for mandatory CCTV installation in police stations and said footage must be maintained for a year to protect human rights. Any officer found deliberately denying or misinforming under RTI will face penalties and disciplinary action.
State Information Commissioner Dr. Mamatha B R termed RTI a people-friendly law, urging officials to promote it rather than fear it. “According to Section 6(1), responses must be given within 30 days, and Rs 2 per page can be charged unless delay crosses the timeline, in which case information must be provided free of cost.” She emphasized compulsory implementation of Sections 4(1)(a) and 4(1)(b) across all government offices and regular training for Public Information Officers (PIOs).
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: Karnataka RTI: ಆರ್ಟಿಐ ಅರ್ಜಿಗಳ ವಿಳಂಬಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳ ಮಾಹಿತಿಯ ಕೊರತೆ: ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಆಯುಕ್ತರ ಟೀಕೆ
Commissioner Badruddin K revealed that Bengaluru Rural ranks 9th in the state with 1,440 pending second appeals, out of over 45,000 such cases in Karnataka. He said that resolving RTI grievances effectively requires both awareness and commitment from designated officers.
Deputy Commissioner A.B. Basavaraju explained that all land revenue records and judicial information are now available online through platforms like Bhoosuraksha Portal and RCCMS, eliminating the need for physical visits.
The session saw participation from CEO Dr. K.N. Anuradha, ADC Syed Ayesha, ASP Nagaraj, ZP Deputy Secretary Shivakumar, and several district-level officials, PIOs, and Appellate Authorities.
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