Srinagar, Dec 31: The indifference of several administrative and field departments is taking a toll on functioning of the State Information Commission (SIC), primarily with regard to monitoring and reporting components prescribed under the J&K Right to Information Act of 2009.
 The Commission is yet to prepare Annual Reports, as delineated under the Act, even after three years of its constitution, thus puncturing the Government claims that the SIC formation was a ‘revolutionary step’ towards bringing transparency and accountability in functioning of different departments.
 Informed sources told Greater Kashmir that the ‘callous approach’ of many departments has severely affected reporting about and monitoring of the RTI Act. Many departments, they said, have turned deaf ear to the Commission’s repeated requests on the subject of monitoring and reporting.
 “We are unable to discharge this responsibility properly owing to poor response of many departments. Since 2010 we have been writing to all departments to furnish quarterly reports to our office but many of them don’t pay heed to our pleas,” the sources said, adding that the Commission has not submitted a single report which could give an idea about implementation of the law in the State.
 Pertinently, the State Human Rights Commission and the State Accountability Commission do come up with annual reports, highlighting their functioning.
 Section (22) of the Act makes it mandatory for the SIC to prepare annual report on implementation of the provisions of the law during a particular year and forward a copy of the same to the Government.
 When contacted, the Chief Information Commissioner GR Sufi told Greater Kashmir that preparation of   annual report has been delayed on account of failure of some departments in submitting the reauisite information.
 “But we are in the final stage of compiling information and the report will be out shortly,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 1 Jan 2013 00:00:00 IST