Doda, Sep 26: The Chief Information Commissioner, G R Sofi today urged the Public Information Officers (PIOs) to familiarize themselves with the RTI Act for bringing transparency in public working. 
 The CIC was addressing the Public Information Officers and Ist Appellate Authorities (AAs) here today.
 Speaking on the occasion, the CIC urged the PIOs/First AAs to fully familiarize themselves with the RTI Act particularly those sections which have a direct bearing on their role. “PIOs and AAs are the pillars of the RTI Act and they are expected to make it a success and actively contribute in bringing transparency in the public working. No doubt we are in early stage of implementation of the Act, but there is no option than to implement it by putting in our sincere efforts,” the CIC said.
 He appealed to the bureaucracy and public authorities to implement the Act in letter and spirit so that “wishes of the law makers who represent the people are fulfilled.”
 The CIC reiterated that the Act empowers people residing in the State to seek information from PIOs of Public Authorities. “And this right of the people has to be respected. A PIO derives powers directly from the Act to dispose of the RTI applications independently. It is the PIO who becomes a principle stakeholder in the scheme of transparency law,” he said.
 During the interactive session, the CIC replied to a number of queries raised by PIOs and tried to remove doubts which hamper disposal of applications. The CIC however expressed displeasure on hearing from some PIOs that they have not obtained the copy of the Act.
 “It is bounden duty of the PIOs to go through the Act as they have to pass orders in keeping with its provisions,” he said.
 Later, the Court of the Commission was also held at Dak Bungalow Doda and six complaints of district Doda were decided by the CIC on spot after hearing the applicants and concerned PIOs and FAA.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST