JAMMU, August 3: Shri Ram Sena (SRS), Jammu & Kashmir, has expressed grave concern over the increasing delay in disposal of Right to Information (RTI) applications by government departments, particularly the Revenue Department. The organization stated that such delays violate the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005, and deprive citizens of their legal right to access information.
In a press statement, Rajiv Mahajan, UT President, Shri Ram Sena, Jammu & Kashmir, said that the RTI Act is a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Despite the Act clearly mandating that information be provided within 30 days, many officials fail to comply, forcing applicants to file first appeals and unnecessarily prolonging the process.
Mahajan said that the Revenue Department deals with crucial public matters such as land records, mutations, demarcation, encroachments, and inheritance cases. Any delay in providing information not only causes hardship to citizens but also raises serious concerns about transparency and administrative accountability.
Shri Ram Sena demanded that the Jammu & Kashmir Administration immediately issue directions to all departments to ensure strict compliance with the RTI Act and hold officials accountable for unjustified delays. The organization also urged the Government to digitize revenue records, strengthen monitoring of RTI applications, and take disciplinary action against officers who repeatedly violate the statutory time limit.
“The Right to Information is not a privilege but a constitutional tool that empowers citizens. Government officials must understand that timely disclosure of information is their legal duty. Delaying RTI replies weakens democracy and erodes public trust in the administration,” Mahajan stated.
Shri Ram Sena reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance and warned that if the issue of delayed RTI replies is not addressed promptly, the organization will launch a peaceful democratic campaign to safeguard the rights of citizens under the RTI Act.