JAMMU, Jun 24: Shri Ram Sena JK UT President Rajiv Mahajan has expressed serious concern over the increasing delay in providing replies to applications filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by various government departments.
Mahajan stated that the RTI Act was enacted to ensure transparency and accountability in public administration. However, many departments fail to provide complete and genuine information within the stipulated time period, forcing applicants to file appeals and repeatedly visit government offices.
He alleged that in several cases, Public Information Officers (PIOs) either provide incomplete information, misleading replies, or fail to respond altogether, defeating the very purpose of the RTI Act. The RTI Act generally requires information to be supplied within 30 days of receiving an application.
Mahajan said that delays in RTI responses raise serious questions about transparency and accountability in government functioning. Recent reports from Information Commissions across the country have also highlighted concerns regarding delayed responses, pending appeals, and failure of officials to comply with RTI provisions.
He urged the Government and Information Commissions to take strict action against officials who deliberately delay or deny information and to ensure that citizens receive genuine and timely replies as guaranteed under the RTI Act.
Mahajan further demanded that all government departments establish effective monitoring mechanisms so that RTI applications are disposed of within the prescribed time frame and transparency in governance is strengthened.