KISHTWAR, Aug 25: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference senior leader and Chenab Valley Regional spokesperson Ajeet Bhagat has appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to establish separate Public Information Offices in every district of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act and prevent wrongdoing in government departments.
Bhagat said the RTI Act is an important tool for ensuring transparency and accountability, but its effective implementation remains a concern as several government departments allegedly fail to provide information sought by citizens within the stipulated framework.
The senior National Conference leader said a large number of people have submitted RTI applications seeking information from various government departments, but in many cases, the information has not been provided. He further alleged that even when appeals are disposed of with directions to provide the requested information, the orders of the First Appellate Authority are often not complied with and no effective action is initiated against the officials concerned.
“This is a serious issue of mismanagement. The RTI Act is an important tool to curb corruption and ensure transparency in public administration,” Bhagat said.
He suggested that Public Information Officers should be placed in separate offices outside individual government departments. According to him, such an arrangement would make it easier for citizens to access information and ensure that information seekers receive proper assistance without unnecessary departmental hurdles.
Bhagat said a dedicated information office could also play an important role in bringing instances of wrongdoing to the notice of the competent authorities, thereby strengthening accountability within the administration.
He alleged that corruption and irregularities have increased in several departments due to a lack of transparency and adequate access to information. He specifically mentioned the Rural Development Department, Public Health Engineering, Agriculture, Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry and Public Works (R&B) departments.
Bhagat urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to consider establishing separate Public Information Offices in every district of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the move would strengthen the RTI mechanism, empower citizens to seek information and contribute towards greater transparency and accountability in government functioning.