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Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that the state government has established a system to deliver the benefits of various schemes and services directly to citizens' doorsteps, leaving no room for complaints.
Addressing the RTI Week Celebrations Launch event, the Chief Minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating a system where citizens can access government schemes from the comfort of their homes. The event was organized by the Gujarat Information Commission at the NFSU campus in Gandhinagar. As part of this initiative, the government is striving for 100 per cent saturation, ensuring that every citizen benefits from these schemes. He emphasized the importance of citizens having a clear understanding of the rules and procedures regarding how they will receive their entitled benefits. The Chief Minister added that if services are provided transparently at citizens' doorsteps, the number of RTI applications will naturally decrease. The Chief Minister emphasized that PM Modi has always strived to make the government increasingly people-friendly, which is why citizens' trust in him continues to grow day by day. He further stated that as government rules and procedures become more open, fewer grievances will arise. In a democracy, rights and responsibilities go hand in hand; fulfilling our duties is equally important as exercising our rights. Highlighting Gujarat's development, CM Patel noted that in 1995, Gujarat's budget was approximately Rs 26,000 to Rs 30,000 crore, which has now grown to Rs 3.32 lakh crore. The scope and reach of government schemes have expanded significantly. In this context, citizen cooperation is essential. As we progress towards Viksit Bharat, fostering healthy competition is crucial instead of harbouring personal grudges. For Viksit Bharat, we must work together as one. Referring to Gujarat's collective efforts during cyclones, the Chief Minister noted that the contributions of citizens, public representatives, and government authorities during such times have been appreciated not only in India but worldwide. These collaborative efforts have resulted in successful disaster management. He expressed confidence that Gujarat will continue to advance unitedly in fulfilling the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat. India's Chief Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya praised the Gujarat Information Commission for its efforts in facilitating RTI applicants through the extensive use of modern technology by the Gujarat government. He also mentioned that under PM Modi's vision, every citizen across the country now has the right to access information, fostering transparency between the government and the people, and thereby increasing trust in governance. The RTI Act has made it easier for ordinary citizens to obtain information and has enhanced transparency within the government. He urged all government departments to publish information on their websites. Furthermore, he pointed out that many people in the country are still unaware of the RTI Act. To address this issue, he recommended organizing seminars and conferences to educate the general public about RTI and enhance the accessibility of information. At the event, Gujarat's Chief Information Commissioner, Dr. Subhashchandra Soni, remarked that the RTI Act has simplified the process for citizens to obtain information from the government. He emphasized that the effective implementation of the RTI Act has been crucial in this regard. In the state, nearly 40,000 information officers are currently serving. The Information Commission has leveraged modern technology to provide information to citizens through over 2,500 video conferences. The commission adopts an inclusive approach, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to comprehensive information. Facilities for appeals, complaints, and their statuses are now available online. Currently, more than 11,000 public authorities are functioning in Gujarat. As part of the RTI Week celebrations, a one-day seminar titled 'Launching Ceremony of the Right to Information Week Celebration in Gujarat' was organized jointly by the Gujarat Information Commission, the General Administration Department, and SPIPA. During this event, CM Patel and other distinguished guests launched three booklets related to the RTI Act. The event was attended by State Chief Secretary Raj Kumar, State Information Commissioners Subramaniam Iyer, Manoj Patel, and Nikhil Bhatt, along with senior government officials, employees, and representatives from civil organizations. Additionally, officials from various districts participated virtually. (ANI)
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