In his yearly submission made to the
state government and the legislature, Dr Suresh Joshi, chief
information commissioner, has recommended appointment of senior
officers as appellate authorities in various government/local self
government bodies so that "wiser decisions" could be taken at that
level.
Submitted on Thursday, Joshi's recommendations focus on making disposal
of RTI applications speedier. "We feel that if there are senior people
they can take better and wiser decisions," said Joshi.
He added, "In the city, I would want the deputy municipal commissioners
to be the first appellate authorities instead of assistant municipal
commissioners. Only because the appeals are so high I have not made
that part categorical in the submission."
In 2007, BMC itself received 39,000 applications as against 31,000 in
the whole of Andhra Pradesh. The state receives 4,16,090 appeals.
He added, "I have also asked that they impose fine to be levied on PIOs
even though the Act does not authorise them to do so."
Amongst other recommendations is voluntary disclosure of information by
the authorities, which he feels as the most important step for the
success of RTI Act. "We feel that if this starts happening, the RTI
applications will reduce and people will have more faith in the
system," he added. What he means by voluntary disclosure is that
through websites and other means of communication, the
government/semi-government bodies should disseminate maximum
information, without having to ask for it.
For faster movement of appeals, Joshi has also asked for appointment of
dedicated assistant PIOs so that there is always a person to guide and
accept the appeals. "The idea is that appeals should reach the PIO the
very same day," said Joshi.
Among other recommendations are better record management at all
government departments and computerisation of records. "Not finding
file and improper record management leads to unnecessary delay," said
Joshi.
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