RTI Act being misused by some for personal gain: CIC Nagaland

Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Nagaland, I Meyionen Jamir, has expressed concern over the misuse of Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 in the state by a few, who he said used it for personal gain, and has become a lucrative business.
Speaking at the week-long celebration of RTI Week, 2022 at Kohima College Auditorium, Kohima on October 7, 2022, Meyionen said RTI Act, 2005 has been one of the most empowering legislations for the people of India and has allowed them to meaningfully participate in democracy, stated a DIPR report.
Meyionen, however, stated that the Act should not be misused or abused, or become a tool to obstruct the development of the State or to destroy the peace and tranquillity of the society.
He said that RTI blackmailers threaten the departments with exposure and thereby extorting money to the tune of several lakhs. CIC cautioned that regular information seekers, who indulge in corrupt practices, would be dealt with through appropriate provisions of the law. He also called upon the various public authorities to voluntarily disclose all information held by them related to welfare schemes to educate the general public.
Meyionen also called for putting in place various mechanisms for online filing of applications so as to facilitate people’s right to information even during difficult times. CIC Nagaland appealed to the people to make use of the provisions of the RTI Act to benefit the public, expose the wrongdoers in the government departments and bring about transparency and accountability in the governance system.
On the occasion, CIC Nagaland also gave away the prizes to the winners of the college-level essay competition during the function. Kikhosou Rume of Kohima College was adjudged the winner while Imtimenla Longchar of St. Joseph’s College and Tsureto Y Yimchunger bagged the second and third places respectively.
Earlier, NIC deputy secretary, Worhonthung Ezung delivered welcome address and shared various features and provisions of RTI Act, 2005. A film on RTI titled, “My Right, My Voice” was screened during the event. NIC secretary Obangla Jamir proposed the vote of thanks.