Healthy democracy requires responsible use of RTI Act, says Nagaland Information Commissioner

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Information Commissioner, I Meyionen Jamir, has urged the people of the state to be more responsible and refrain from misusing the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Speaking at the celebration of “Right to Information Week 2024” at St. Xavier College in Jalukie, Peren, he emphasised that the RTI Act’s primary objective is to promote transparency and accountability in government functioning, which is essential for a healthy democracy.

He highlighted that during the 2023-24 fiscal year, the state received 2472 RTI applications, an increase from the previous year’s 2104 applications. He noted that the overall percentage of information furnished by Public Information Officers (PIOs) of various public authorities during this period was 87.90%. Directorates received the highest number of RTI applications, followed by districts and the Secretariat, he said.

According to the commissioner, Kohima district recorded the highest number of RTI applications (239) during 2023-24, followed by Dimapur (134) and Peren (106). Interestingly, no RTI applications were filed in Noklak and Nuiland districts during the same period.

Jamir stressed the importance of understanding the concept of public accountability, expounding that it governs the relationship between “duty bearers (those in power)” and “right holders (citizens).” He underscored that citizens often fail to exercise their rights due to a lack of understanding about the accountability of those in power, which can contribute to corruption.

He also highlighted the need for public authorities to proactively disseminate information to the public, making it easily accessible and promoting a more accountable system.

Recalling an incident where an RTI applicant was forced to apologise and withdraw his application by a village council chairman union, the commissioner asserted that any citizen of India can file an RTI application to any public authority and that any individual or organisation obstructing this right can be reported to the district administration or the police.

He also mentioned that government officials have the right to file an FIR if they are harassed by information seekers for personal gain.

Furthermore, Jamir shared that the Nagaland Information Commission, established in 2006, received a total of 480 RTI applications in its first year. The highest number of applications (4526) was received during 2015-16. During 2023-24, 74% of applications were received from within the state, while 26% were received from outside the state.

He also noted that 94.39% of RTI applicants were male, highlighting the need to encourage greater female participation in seeking information.

He stated that Motor Vehicles department normally receives the highest number of RTI applications, followed by the Rural Development Directorate, District Rural Development offices, Health & Family department, and Road & Bridges.

Jamir further disclosed that the Information Commission received 10 complaints, 23 second appeals, and penalised 13 PIOs during 2023-24, collecting a total of INR 98,750 in penalties.

He also highlighted the need for more resources for the NIC, which currently has only 26 employees, including 5 fixed-pay employees who have been working for over 15 years without regularisation.

When asked about distinguishing between genuine RTI applicants and those with vested interests, Jamir explained that the type of questions asked can often reveal the applicant’s intentions. He noted that some activists with ulterior motives may ask general questions or seek information from years of records, which can amount to harassment and drain departmental resources.

Jamir also said that the number of RTI applications has decreased since the peak in 2015-16, attributing it to improved record maintenance by public authorities.