Fri Feb 06 14:11:05 UTC 2026: Headline: State Information Commissioners Advocate for Transparency and Swiftness in RTI Responses in Sivaganga

The Story:
On February 6, 2026, State Information Commissioners (SICs) addressed officials in Sivaganga, emphasizing the importance of prompt and proper responses to Right To Information (RTI) Act applicants. During an interaction organized by the Sivaganga district administration at the District Collectorate, SICs stressed that timely and accurate responses reflect transparent governance. The Commissioners also clarified the rights of petitioners and the responsibilities of Information Officers within each department, advocating for proactive information retrieval even when documents are initially missing.

The SICs highlighted the need for authorities to stay updated on RTI amendments. They cautioned against unnecessary appeals caused by departmental delays or negligence. Ensuring a smooth and efficient RTI process was presented as a method to cultivate public trust and a positive perception of government departments and officials.

Key Points:

  • SICs R. Priya Kumar, V.P.R. Elamparithi, and M Natesan addressed officials in Sivaganga regarding RTI compliance.
  • The Commissioners stressed the need for swiftness and accuracy in responding to RTI applications.
  • Authorities should be aware of amendments to the RTI Act.
  • Information Officers must respond to applications promptly, even when some information may be exempt.
  • The SICs clarified the rights of petitioners and the responsibilities of officers in each department.
  • Officers should actively search for missing documents instead of simply stating they are unavailable.
  • District Revenue Officer S. Selvasurabi presided over the meeting.

Key Takeaways:

  • The State Information Commission is actively promoting transparency and accountability within government departments through the RTI Act.
  • The emphasis on promptness and accuracy suggests a potential need for improvement in existing RTI response mechanisms.
  • The clarification of petitioner rights and officer responsibilities aims to streamline the RTI process and reduce unnecessary appeals.
  • Proactive document retrieval underscores the importance of citizen access to information.

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