RTI logo, web portal launched

NEW DELHI: The government plans to establish watchdogs or ombudsman within ministries to ensure that updated information is uploaded, which, in turn, will cut down on the number of Right to Information ( RTI) queries.

"We have conducted surveys on government websites and we are considering setting up ombudsman within ministries to ensure current information is uploaded. We will also look at how citizens can complain by registering on a website or calling a call centre," Prithviraj Chavan, minister of state for personnel, public grievances and pensions, said.

He was speaking at the launch of an RTI logo, and dedicated web portal www.rtigateway.org.in. The website will act as a knowledge bank for all RTI holders including information seekers, trainers, information commissioners and civil society citizens.

It will also carry latest judgments of High Courts and information commissions, reports, articles, guides, manuals, handbooks for various stakeholders and online certificate course.

The ministry hopes that the logo will become a symbol for information seekers and will be displayed at all public authorities and will also be used in various communications related to RTI.

Elaborating on the need for a symbol, Chavan said, "A study on implementation of RTI found that awareness was very low particularly in rural areas. We realised that awareness has to increase and that RTI needed a symbol for people who are not literate." Chavan said the logo represents the core values of the RTI regime -- empowerment, transparency and accountability.