Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 595/05

STATE LEVEL TRAINING WORKSHOP ON IMPLEMENTING RTI ACT HELD

A two-day State Level Training Workshop on implementing the Right to Information Act (RTI Act), 2005 is being held at the State Central Library Auditorium, Shillong from September 14, 2005. Organised by the Government of Meghalaya in association with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), New Delhi and Yashawantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA), Pune, this workshop aimed to increase awareness about the RTI Act amongst officers of the Government, to apprise participants of the procedures that needs to be developed and adopted to implement this law and to build capacity of participants to transfer knowledge gained in the workshop to other officers at the district and departmental level. Mr. S. K. Tiwari, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. The resource persons of the day were Mr. Venkatesh Nayak of CHRI, New Delhi and Capt. A. V. Deshpande of YASHADA, Pune. Secretary I&PR Department, Mrs. M. H. K. Marak chaired the proceedings of the inaugural session.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Mr. S. K. Tiwari informed that, among all the states of the Country, Meghalaya is one of the most active States that has left no stone unturned to prepare for the timely implementation of the RTI Act. He also informed that as the provisions prescribe, the legislation of the Right To Information Act will act as a catalyst for the promotion of transparency, accountability and efficiency in government functioning. However, for this to become a reality, we must acknowledge the fact that the enforcement of laws in the larger interest of the people is possible only with the discipline, commitment and strong willpower of the high-ranking officials, he added. He then urged upon the government officials to play a key role at every stage. He also expressed hope that the workshop will come up with a well-contemplated procedure and will help to dispel doubts and prepare one and all for the implementation of the Right To Information Act in Meghalaya.

The two resource persons, Mr. Venkatesh Nayak of CHRI, New Delhi and Capt. A. V. Deshpande of YASHADA, Pune, in their introductory speech congratulated the Meghalaya Government for the enthusiasm about the act. Capt. A. V. Deshpande of YASHADA, Pune, informed that RTI Act is concerned with “Action in good faith, Public Interest and Natural Justice”, while Mr. Nayak said that “it is a law which protects the fundamental rights of the citizens”.

Mr. H. Marwein, Commissioner & Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department gave the welcome address while Mr. A. Mawlong, Director Information and Public Relations Department proposed the vote of thanks.

Press Release No. 597/05

ENQUIRY COUNTER IN MEGHALAYA TRANSPORT CORPORATION

The Managing Director, Meghalaya Transport Corporation has informed that the Shillong Computerized Railway Reservation (PRS) will open an Enquiry Counter, which will also function as a third counter in Meghalaya Transport Corporation Building at Police Bazar, Shillong with effect from September 15, 2005.