Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 973/17

AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON RTI HELD

Awareness on Right to Information Act was held at DRDA Conference Hall, West Garo Hills today in which P B O Warjri, Chief Information Commissioner, Meghalaya graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his power point presentation, P B O Warjri highlighted on the importance of Right to Information Act, its functions and implementation in the State of Meghalaya. He stated that the basic objective of the Right to Information is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government and make our democracy work for the people in real sense. He further informed that a citizen has the right to seek information from public authority and obtain information in any form. Moreover, Mr. Warjri also mentioned about the exemptions and disclosure under Section 8 and 9 and Schedule II of RTI Act which enumerates the categories of information exempted from disclosure and the names of the Intelligence and Security which are exempted from the purview of the Act. Further, he explained in detail about the method and procedures of seeking information, disposal and provision related to appeals and complaints besides others. Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Pravin Bakshi while delivering the welcome address emphasize on the need to disseminate the role and implementation of Right to Information Act which is an Act of Parliament and a platform to acquire information from public authority. Mr. Habul Das, Department of Mathematics, Don Bosco College, Tura and Mr. Confirm Challam, Student of Tura Polytechnic also addressed the gathering on the significance of Right to Information Act during the programme. Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, A V D Shira presented the working status of the RTI Cell since its inception in the district and added that 72 numbers of applications have been received so far. She also informed that about 47 RTI applications have been disposed off till date which has been applied against Deputy Commissioner’s Office, supply, revenue and excise branch including block offices, health department besides others. Among others who attended the function were Chairman, Tura Municipal Board, D N Sangma, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Raksamgre Civil Sub-Division, L Ch Marak, Extra Assistant Commissioners, Shelley Ch Momin, Rezia Ch Sangma, Heads of all departments of the district, Principals, teachers and students. Song and dances were also presented during the function by students of different schools of the town.