Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Nov 20: The disposal rate of Right to Information (RTI) applications in India has soared past the 90% mark this year, marking a remarkable success for the current government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The efficient handling of transparency and accountability measures aided by the introduction of a revolutionary 24-hour portal for e-filing of RTI applications have changed the entire system,” an observer told Precious Kashmir.
Pertinently, the government has launched the 24-hour portal, which allows individuals to file RTI applications at any time, day or night, from any location in the country or abroad. This groundbreaking initiative has not only streamlined the application process but has also played a pivotal role in boosting the overall disposal rate.
The RTI Act, enacted in 2005, has been a cornerstone in promoting transparency and accountability in country’s governance. The current government’s emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance citizen engagement and accountability has addressed many challenges.
“The 24-hour portal has empowered citizens to exercise their right to information conveniently, breaking down geographical barriers and time constraints. This accessibility has led to a surge in the number of applications, reflecting a growing awareness and participation among the public in holding government institutions accountable,” said an official.
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, responsible for overseeing the implementation of the RTI Act, has reported a steady increase in the disposal rate over the past year. The efficient handling of RTI applications can be attributed to the digital transformation of the filing process, allowing for quicker and more streamlined processing.
Experts commend the government’s proactive approach in leveraging technology to improve governance and citizen engagement. The 24-hour portal not only facilitates easy filing of applications but also ensures a prompt response, contributing to the surge in the disposal rate. The use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, has been instrumental in automating certain aspects of the application review process, reducing manual intervention and expediting responses.
While the record-high disposal rate is a significant milestone, challenges persist, and experts emphasize the need for continuous improvement. Some argue that the emphasis should also be on proactively disclosing information rather than merely responding to queries.
They suggest that a proactive approach to transparency can further strengthen governance and build trust between the government and the citizens.
As the country celebrates the remarkable achievement of crossing the 90% disposal rate for RTI applications, the focus remains on sustaining and improving this momentum. The government’s commitment to transparency, coupled with technological innovations, has set a positive precedent for the future of citizen-government interactions in the digital age.
RTI Act cornerstone of transparency, accountability in governance
