RTI complaints of senior citizens to be given priority: Central Information Commission

NEW DELHI: In view of the increasing number of pending right-to-information complaints, the Central Information Commission ( CIC) has decided to hear senior citizens on priority as many of them would otherwise have to wait for years for their turn.

At a meeting of information commissioners last month, the CIC decided that hearing of cases of senior citizens on priority would be considered on a case-to-case basis. There are more than 25,000 pending RTI cases, according to CIC data.

The CIC is the second level of appeal for RTI petitioners who are dissatisfied with responses provided by the public information officer and subsequently, the first appellate authority, who is usually the senior officer in the same department. The time limit for responding to both the petition and appeal is 30 days.

Cases of senior citizens — those who have attained the age of 65 on the date of making the application — would be taken up on priority only if supporting proof is provided. The matter of pending cases was also raised in Parliament during the current session after a group of rights activist filed a complaint with the government authorities.

Pune-based SS Phadke, 73, who has six RTI complaints pending with the commission since 2011, said such an initiative would be helpful, especially for senior citizens seeking information on grievances such as pension, banking and property.

"Most of the RTI requests by senior citizens pertain to personal grievances and any kind of delay in getting such information impacts us most. We avoid going to commission because of the delay in disposal," he added.