In accordance with the State Commission, and with an aim to create awareness among district officials, village councils/VDBs, students, media, NGOs, CSOs, etc., various districts and educational institutions across the state observed ‘Right to Information (RTI) Week’ under the theme “RTI- a tool for transparent and accountable governance” on October 11 and 12.
CHUMOUKEDIMA
Chumoukedima district observed RTI week on October 11 at CTC Hall, Chumoukedima with advocate, Vikuolie Nihu Kera as resource person.
According to a DIPR report, addressing the gathering, Kera emphasised on RTI, and how the public should be aware of RTI in order to exist in a democracy. He stated that RTI was considered as ‘second independence’ as it granted a statutory right to information for every citizen, to contain corruption. He also informed on what cannot be asked and what information cannot be given and their exemptions under different sections.
Kera mentioned that RTI is for the public interest but cautioned that it should not be used for mala fide purposes. He advised citizens to enjoy their rights but also to remember their duties and obligations. The public has the right to appeal to the public information officers (PIOs) or assistant public information officers (APIOs) and go for a second appeal to the Nagaland Information Commission within 90 days from the date on which the first appeal decision was made, he added. He reminded that the RTI is not created for finding faults but rather to ensure transparency in governance. He called for prompt response to every application and pro-activeness in dealing with the matters of RTI.
Earlier, RTI week commenced with a keynote address by ADC, Chumoukedima, Dr. Kuzonyi Wideo.
TSEMINYU
Tseminyu district observed RTI week on October 12 at the DC’s official chamber with extra assistant commissioner (EAC) Tseminyu, Tumben P.Tsanglao as resource person.
According to a DIPR report, Tsanglao emphasised the gathering that RTI is not only a right to get information but also to get the right information, adding that the Act informed citizens to promote transparency and accountability in government functioning.
The EAC further informed on how applications could be addressed to the PIO/APIO in English, Hindi, or local language, and if the person is below the poverty line, to mention it and produce proof of documents such as ration card, ID card, etc. as there is no application fee and information is free.
Earlier, keynote address was delivered by SDO (Civil) Tseminyu, Tsutsowe Kupa.
NOKLAK
Noklak district observed its first RTI week on October 12 at DC Conference Hall.
According to a DIPR report, SDO (Civil) Noklak Sadar, C. Phuniang while addressing the gathering, stated that the RTI is a powerful tool that gives a chance to improve the way the government and its employees functions. He mentioned that the RTI’s objective was to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority and to contain corruption.
While elaborating on RTI, he opined that the momentum of RTI had not fully picked up in the district, and hence, awareness of RTI is necessary. He also advised the gathering not to misuse the RTI Act with malicious intent but to use it as a tool for the common good.
In a power point presentation, SDO (Civil) Noklak Hq., Mongo Khiamniungan spoke on importance of RTI. He said that RTI was simple, reliable, time-bound, and citizen-friendly.
Meanwhile, OC, fire & emergency services, Theuosielie Pielie in his power point presentation elaborated on benefits of RTI. He encouraged informed citizens to promote transparency and accountability in government functioning. He also stated that RTI was not the solution by itself, but rather, it is the first step by which citizens could claim their rights under the law and the Constitution. He also explained in detail the tips for writing an application, obtaining information, and penalty.
Earlier, programme was chaired by DPA Noklak,
Tanghiu.
NIULAND
Niuland district celebrated RTI week on October 12 at DC’s conference hall.
According to a DIPR report, DC Niuland, Sara S Jamir while addressing the gathering, laid emphasis on how all government offices and departments have maintained official records ever since the RTI came into force in 2005 and how it has led to more transparency and accountability in governance. The DC said RTI is a ‘good instrument’ and urged people not to misuse it, advising that one should know how to seek the right information.
Leter, EAC hq, Imlijugla Lemtur presented a power point presentation on RTI while ADC hq, T Lemlila Sangtam chaired the meeting.