The week-long celebration of RTI Week, 2022 was observed at Kohima College Auditorium, Kohima on 7th October 2022. The RTI Week is observed under the theme, “RTI- a tool for transparent and accountable governance” and is being observed from 5th to 12th October 2022.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Information Commissioner, Nagaland, I. Meyionen Jamir said the Right To Information Act, 2005 has been one of the most empowering legislations for the people of India and has allowed them to meaningfully participate in democracy. Highlighting the Act, he said that Information Commissions are the final appellate authority and are mandated to safeguard and facilitate people’s fundamental right to information. He also shed a light on various provisions provided by the Right To Information Act. He informed that every year in India, about 40 to 60 lakh RTI applications are filed.
Jamir however, lamented that the Act has been misused in the State by a few, who used it for personal gain, and has become a lucrative business. He stated that the Act should not be misused or abused, or become a tool to obstruct the development of the State or to destroy the peace and tranquillity of the society. He said that RTI blackmailers threaten the departments with exposure and thereby extorting money to the tune of several lakhs. He added that regular information seekers who indulge in corrupt practices shall be dealt with through appropriate provisions of the law.
He called upon the various public authorities to voluntarily disclose all information held by them, related to welfare schemes to educate the general public. He also urged that various mechanisms for online filing of applications should be put in place to facilitate people’s right to information even during difficult times. He appealed to the people to make use of the provisions of the RTI Act to benefit the public, expose the wrongdoers in the Government departments and thereby bring about transparency and accountability in the governance system.
Meyionen Jamir also gave away prizes to the winners of the college-level essay competition during the function. Kikhosou Rume of Kohima College was adjudged the winner while Imtimenla Longchar of St. Joseph’s College and Tsureto Y Yimchunger bagged the second and third places respectively. The essay competition was conducted by the National Information Commission under the theme “RTI- a tool for transparent and accountable governance” on 3rd October 2022 where 15 colleges participated.
Deputy Secretary, NIC, Worhonthung Ezung in his welcome address shared the various features and provisions of the Right To Information Act, 2005. He stated that the RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 and to celebrate the passing of this landmark Act, RTI Week is celebrated throughout the Country from 5th to 12th October every year. He said the passing of the landmark Act is considered the Second Independence as it enabled the establishment of an unprecedented regime of right to information for the citizens of the country to secure the transparency and accountability of the Government.
A film on RTI titled, “My Right, My Voice” was screened during the event. Secretary, NIC, Obangla Jamir, IAS proposed the vote of thanks.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
