Srinagar, April 18(KNB):- Irfan Banka, founder of J&K RTI Foundation, has expressed concern over the lack of data related to Right to Information (RTI) requests in Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to an RTI request filed by Banka, the Central Information Commission (CIC) stated that it did not have data on the number of RTI applications and first appeals filed in the region in the past four years. The CIC suggested that Banka file an RTI request with the state government to obtain the desired information. Normally, the data is kept by the Information Commissions, but no such department or State Information Commission exists in Jammu and Kashmir as the J&K RTI Act was repealed in 2019 when the Central RTI Act 2005 was introduced in the UT.
Banka criticized the lack of transparency and accountability related to RTI Law, especially after Jammu and Kashmir was made a Union Territory and its own state information commission was dissolved. He believes that the RTI Act has weakened in the region and that some public information officers (PIOs) view it as useless.
The RTI Act of 2005 empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities in order to promote transparency and accountability. The act applies to all states and union territories of India. However, Banka’s experience raises questions about the effectiveness of the RTI Act in Jammu and Kashmir.
As a result of the lack of data, it is unclear how many RTI applications and appeals have been filed in Jammu and Kashmir since it was reorganized in 2019. This lack of information makes it difficult to hold public authorities accountable and undermines the very purpose of the RTI Act.
Banka’s concerns highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the RTI system in Jammu and Kashmir. As citizens’ right to information is an essential part of a functioning democracy, it is imperative that the government takes steps to ensure that the system is effective and transparent.(KNB)