Public information officers skeptical about publicising RTI responses online

MUMBAI: Public information officers and rights activists are skeptical about the decision to publicise RTI responses online as a similar direction issued by UPA government in April 2013 was never implemented.

The government had on Tuesday directed all ministries and department to post all RTI replies and applications on its website making it accessible to all, and not just to persons seeking the information. This will mean higher accountability and transparency as anyone can now see the response given by the public information officer along with the queries.

A similar circular was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training in April 2013. The circular said: “All public authorities shall proactively disclose RTI applications and appeals received and their responses, on the websites maintained by public authorities with search facility based on key words. RTI applications and appeals received and their responses relating to personal information of an individual may not be disclosed, as they do not serve any public interest.” The directive was never followed though.

Though the government has set October 31 as deadline for implementing the direction, it has not indicated any kind of action against defaulting PIOs. While it’s an important step towards bringing transparency in the administration, the government must ensure compliance of the circular as in past sever such direction were not implemented, said former central information commissioner Shailesh Gandhi. “It would not be difficult to scan and upload the reply provided government makes resources available to PIOs,” he added.