Khonsa, Feb 28: Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) Chief Information Commissioner Jarken Gamlin has urged information seekers to be practical in seeking information.
“Information should be sought with a good intention and not for extortion,” he said during a workshop on the Right to Information (RTI) Act conducted by the APIC at Khonsa in Tirap district on Friday.
Gamlin urged the people to use the RTI responsibly.
He emphasized the role of all stakeholders in ensuring the smooth flow of information to applicants under the Act.
The CIC maintained that a case may be disposed of ex-parte if the appellant fails to be present at the time of hearing without giving prior information of their absence whatsoever.
He advised the PIOs that while delegating someone to appear before the court of SIC, the matter in question may be thoroughly briefed beforehand to avoid wasting the court's valuable time.
Gamlin further said that the flow of information is made easier in present days, it can be shared electronically via email, WhatsApp etc.
State Information Commissioner Khopey Thalley made a comprehensive briefing on specific sections of RTI Act, and highlighted major court rulings that have shaped its implementation over the years.
SIC Dani Gambo made a presentation on practical issues pertaining to executing RTI and how to deal with them.
Tirap deputy commissioner Tana Bapu underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in governance through the RTI Act.
He urged officials from various departments to gain a thorough understanding of the Act and its guidelines.
Bapu also commended the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) for organizing this essential training program.
The awareness workshop on the RTI Act, 2005, aimed to empower citizens to access government information, ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance.