Hyderabad, Sept. 9: The Telangana Information Commission (TGIC) will host a two day national conference on the implementation of the Right to Information Act on September 10 and 11.
The conference, titled “Operational Uniformity in Implementation of RTI: Challenges and Solutions,” will be held at the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) in Hyderabad.
The National Federation of Information Commissioners in India (NFICI) is sponsoring the conference. TGIC is organising it in collaboration with ASCI.
Around 20 State Chief Information Commissioners are expected to attend the event. Several participants are former Chief Secretaries and senior IAS and IPS officers.
The conference will also bring together Information Commissioners, legal experts, policymakers and senior administrators from across the country.
The Governor of Telangana will attend the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest and deliver the keynote address.
TGIC Conference to Focus on RTI Reforms
The conference will provide a national platform to discuss challenges in implementing the RTI Act, 2005.
It will focus on improving consistency, efficiency, transparency and predictability in the functioning of Information Commissions.
However, participants will also discuss the need to examine every RTI case based on its facts and applicable legal provisions.
The conference will encourage Information Commissions to share best practices and identify practical solutions to improve access to information.
The discussions will cover uniformity in procedures, reduction of pending cases and timely disposal of appeals and complaints.
Other themes include effective hearing mechanisms, proactive disclosure under Section 4 and digitalisation of RTI processes.
Participants will also discuss capacity building for Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities.
Preventing misuse of RTI without restricting legitimate access will also form part of the discussions.
The conference will examine ways to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of Information Commissions.
Distinguished speakers will include former Central Information Commissioner Heeralal Samaria.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Information Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha and former Tamil Nadu Chief Information Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed will also speak.
Four panel discussions will address contemporary issues related to RTI implementation.
The organisers said operational uniformity should create a clear, consistent and citizen friendly RTI system across the country.
However, they said uniformity should not lead to a rigid or mechanical approach.
Each application, appeal and complaint must continue to be considered according to its facts and legal requirements.
The conference will therefore seek areas where uniform practices can improve efficiency while preserving lawful decision making.
TGIC acknowledged the support of NFICI President R K Goyal and ASCI Director General N Ramesh Kumar in advancing the initiative.
ASCI’s academic environment and experience in capacity building will provide the setting for discussions and professional exchange.
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