RTI is not a curse on bureaucrats: SIC

Dharwad: The Right to Information (RTI) Act has revolutionized the service sector and government machinery and has empowered the common man to get access to the information on projects taken up by various departments, said state chief information commissioner Dr Sucheran Swaroop.
Speaking at a meeting of officials of various departments on the provisions of RTI Act at the deputy commissioner’s office here on Wednesday, he said that though this is the most simplified Act, officials often fear whenever they receive RTI applications. “Every officer has to understand that this is the most effective tool to bring in transparency into working and should not delay or show negligence in disclosing the information sought by the RTI applicants,” he said.

“Some officials are under the impression that this Act has been brought into force to harass them and many people are misusing this Act for personal gains. This is not a right attitude,” Swaroop said.

Swaroop made it clear that if the information sought is bulk in nature, such applications can be rejected and an acknowledgement for rejecting the application should be mentioned. “Personal information, service book records, pension records and income tax details cannot be shared with the third party. At the most, only the salary of the officer can be disclosed. Information related to divorce petitions and property disputes can be disclosed only to the person’s spouse or brothers. Information on blueprint and registration certificates can be shared under the RTI. Information pertaining to the health issue of any person should not be disclosed even to the wife and relatives of the person,” he said.