Mokokchung, October 12 (MTNews): Speaking as a resource person, Advocate Vikuolie Nihu Kera stated that to exist in a democracy the public must know about the RTI and added that ‘RTI is considered the second independence for the citizens of India’. This statement was delivered at CTC Hall, Chumoukedima on October 11, 2022 during the observance of RTI week.
According to him, RTI creates a practical regime of rights to information for citizens to secure for transparency and accountability or public authorities.
It grants a statutory right to information for every citizen, to contain corruption, he stated.
However, he also informed that what cannot be asked and what information cannot be given are exempted under sections 8 & 9, the exempted organization under section 24 & Schedule II (Intelligence & Security organization).
He also informed that request for information shall be disposed of by the Public Information Officer within 30 days of receipt in general cases; 48 hours of receipt in cases where the information sought for concerns the life or liberty of a person; 40 days if a third party is involved and 45 days on allegations of human rights violation.
He mentioned that RTI is for the public interest and should not be used for a malafide purpose. He advised the citizens to enjoy their rights but remember their duties and obligations.
“The public has the right to appeal to the Public Information Officers (PIOs) or Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs), and go for a second appeal to the Nagaland Information Commission within 90 days from the date on which the first appeal decision was made,” he added.
He further appealed to RTI users to be sensible and responsible in using RTI. Even though RTI is usually used for the interest of the public, he also warned that it can sometimes be misused with malicious intention.
“The RTI must be utilized in good faith for the overall good of society,” he said.
He reminded that the RTI is not created for fault findings but rather is created to ensure transparency in governance. He also called for prompt response to every application and proactiveness in dealing with the matters of RTI.
