Decision on allowing file notings after RTI meet

A full bench of the Central Information Commission (CIC) will take a decision on whether to allow file notings to be made public after the national convention on the Right to Information (RTI) Act later this week.

"Till such time, file notings will be made public and there is no confusion on this count," said Rita Sinha, secretary, CIC.

A three-day national convention on one year of RTI beginning here Friday will take stock of how this important piece of legislation has fared in states and also chalk out a roadmap for the future.

To be inaugurated by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, this convention will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to review the implementation of the act in the last year and discuss both its shortcomings and successes.

"The deliberations are expected to be of a very wide group wherein some effective outcomes on various aspects of RTI and governance in the country are expected to emerge. This should help the Central Information Commission chart a course for the future," said Sinha.

According to the CIC, most states had already set up their state commission except for Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, which was outside the purview of the CIC.

However, CIC officials were unable provide any details how the RTI was faring in various states and if ordinary citizens were able to get information out of government offices and departments.

"This is precisely one of the reasons why this convention has been called to ascertain its success or failure and if it is working in states," said Sinha.

Some of the discussions will centre on maximum disclosure of information, improving information storage, creating awareness at the grassroots level and simplification of procedures.

(IANS)

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