CIC launches AppCoMS 2.0 to streamline RTI appeals

NEW DELHI, AUG 17 (PTI): The Central Information Commission (CIC) on Monday launched its upgraded Appeal and Complaint Management System (AppCoMS 2.0), aimed at streamlining the processing of Second Appeals and Complaints under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The upgraded portal was launched by Chief Information Commissioner Raj Kumar Goyal, the Ministry of Personnel said in a statement.
The AppCoMS 2.0 has been developed with enhanced security standards, improved functionalities and streamlined workflows to strengthen the CIC’s digital infrastructure and provide a more user-friendly experience to applicants and other stakeholders, it said.
The AppCoMS is an online portal introduced by the CIC in September 2016 that enables citizens to file Second Appeals and Complaints and facilitates digital processing of cases, including registration, scheduling of hearings and issuance and uploading of decisions.
A key feature of the upgraded system is the introduction of user accounts for applicants, Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) of public authorities and other stakeholders, linked with their email IDs and mobile numbers.
Applicants will be able to submit Second Appeals and Complaints through their accounts and access case timelines, documents, hearing notices and decisions or orders.
The upgraded portal will also facilitate the use of Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for digitally signing and issuing notices and orders by the commission.
For public authorities, CPIOs will have user accounts enabling them to access details of Second Appeals and Complaints and submit case-related documents through the portal.
The ministry said the system was developed and implemented as per the prescribed project timeline.
It also said decisions issued during the transition period from August 1 onwards and dispatched by post will be uploaded on the upgraded portal or website in the coming days.