In celebration of Right to Information Week, 2023 from October 5 to 12, the department of Horticulture in collaboration with the State Information Commission, organized a one-day state-level training program for the Public Information Officers and Assistant Public Information Officers of the Department on the Right to Information Act, 2005 at Conference hall, Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima on October 10.
A DIPR report informed that in his speech Meyasashi, director of Horticulture, emphasized the significance of the Right to Information Act (RTI) in accessing information and combating corruption. He urged against resorting to bribery, highlighting the presence of corruption in society. Meyasashi also pointed out that the Naga society has been regrettably characterized by corruption and substandard practices, resulting in low-quality public services and products; and for which he advocated for an ideal society, that was prosperous and achieved through hard work.
Keynote speaker, I. Meyionen Jamir, Chief Information Commissioner, expressed appreciation on the initiatives taken by the department and stressed the need for training to empower individuals to defend themselves and assert their rights.
Jamir referred to the RTI Act of 2005, as an Act which allows the general public to exercise their rights under it and stated that the intention of the Act was to serve information seekers, except for those falling under the exempted category in Section 8 of the Act. Jamir further emphasized that the goal of the Act was to eliminate the sources of corruption, and stressed that the RTI Act should not be misused or abused and called for the need for transparency.
Master trainer for the day was Worhonthung Ezung, deputy secretary, Nagaland Information Commission. The program was chaired by I. Chubatoshi, PIO & Deputy Director of Horticulture, the programme began with an invocation by Kikalemba, Accounts Officer, and vote of thanks by Ayieno Hibo, additional director of Horticulture.