Dimapur, Oct. 7 (EMN): Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Nagaland, I Meyionen Jamir, on Friday lamented that Right to Information (RTI) Act has become a lucrative business for few individuals by misusing it for personal gain. 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 tranquility of the society.
Jamir stated this at the week-long celebration of RTI Week 2022 held at Kohima College auditorium on October 7 on the theme “RTI- a tool for transparent and accountable governance.”
Jamir claimed that RTI blackmailers threaten the departments with exposure and thereby extort money to the tune of several lakh. He cautioned that regular information seekers, who indulge in corrupt practices should be dealt with through appropriate provisions of the law, stated a DIPR report.
On the occasion, Jamir 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 suggested 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.
Jamir stated that RTI Act, 2005, has been one of the most empowering legislations for the people of India and has allowed them to meaningfully participate in democracy. He informed that about 40 to 60 lakh RTI applications are filed every year in India.
On the occasion, Jamir also gave away prizes to the winners of the college-level essay writing competition. Kikhosou Rume from Kohima College won the first prize, while Imtimenla Longchar from St. Joseph’s College and Tsureto Y Yimchunger won the second and third prizes respectively. The essay competition was conducted by the Nagaland Information Commission on October 3 with the participation of 15 colleges.
Delivering the welcome speech, NIC deputy secretary, Worhonthung Ezung, stated that RTI Act came into force on October 12, 2005 and added that to celebrate the passing of the landmark Act, the RTI Week is celebrated throughout the country from October 5 to the 12th every year.
A film on RTI titled “My Right, My Voice” was screened during the event.
