Kiphire, 5 October (MTNews): Kiphire District, the sole aspirational district in Nagaland and one of 112 across India, was selected as the location for observing RTI Week 2023. The aim of this initiative was to raise awareness about the rights and entitlements of the people in Kiphire, particularly in the context of various welfare schemes. The district faces significant challenges in socio-economic development and is considered one of the most remote areas in the state.
The commemoration of RTI Week 2023 took place at the Seili Conference Hall in Kiphire District on 5 October. The event featured I Meyionen Jamir, Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Nagaland, as the keynote speaker. Jamir addressed the audience, emphasizing the vital role of the Right to Information Act (RTI) in promoting transparency, accountability, and the eradication of corruption within public authorities.
Jamir reminded the audience that the RTI Act, passed in 2005, was established to ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities, with a specific focus on combating corruption. He underscored that accountability comprises three fundamental dimensions: responsibility, answerability, and enforceability.
The CIC also highlighted the importance of citizens understanding the accountability of those in power, often referred to as ‘duty bearers.’ He pointed out that a lack of knowledge about duty bearers hinder citizens from effectively exercising their rights under the RTI Act.
Jamir stressed the necessity for citizens to have access to information that enhances transparency and accountability within public authorities.
He also noted that public authorities have a responsibility to proactively disseminate information, educating the public about their rights and entitlements under various welfare schemes. While acknowledging that there’s room for improvement in this aspect, Jamir appealed to all Heads of Offices (HoOs) to embrace greater responsibility and transparency in their activities.
In closing, Jamir expressed his hope that Kiphire District would not only serve as an aspirational but also an inspirational district for others to follow in terms of progress and development.