Strengthening Implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005

N0.4/10/2011-IR

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

….

North Block, New Delhi

Dated: 18th May 2011,

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Strengthening Implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Central Chief Information Commissioner has made a reference to the Cabinet Secretary making several suggestions for effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It has been decided in consultation with the Cabinet Secretariat that following actions shall be undertaken by all

Ministries/Departments/Attached Offices, PSUs of Central Government to Strengthen the implementation of the RTI Act:

a) In the Annual reports of the Central Ministries/Departments and other attached/subordinate offices PSUs, a separate chapter shall be included regarding implementation of the RTI Act in their respective offices. This chapter should detail thenumber of RTI applications received and disposed off during the year, includingnumber of cases in which the information was denied. In addition to the above, efforts made to improve the implementation of the Act in their respective offices, including any innovative measures that have been undertaken, should also be listed. This is to be ensured for Annual reports for the year 201 1-12 onwards.

b) Each Ministry/Department should organize atleast a half day training programmefor all CPIOs/Appellate Authorities (AAs) every year to sensitize them about their role in implementation of the RTI Act. The concerned Ministries/Deuartrnents shall ensure that similar programmes are organized for all CPIOs/AAs of all attached/subordinate offices and PSUs under their control as well.

c) All public authorities who have a web site shall publish the details of monthly receipts and disposal of RTI applications on the websites. This should be implemented within 10 days of the close of the month. Ministries/Departments would ensure that these instructions are communicated to their attached/subordinate offices as well as PSUs immediately. Monthly reporting on the above pattern should begin latest by 10th July, 2011 for the month of June, 2011 and thereafter continue on a regular basis.

2. All the Ministries/Departments are requested to take action as above and also to ensure that these instructions are communicated to their attached and subordinate offices PSUs for compliance.

CK.G.Verma

Director

Source: Central Government Employees News