Why in News ?
RTI disposal rate had remained unaffected by the pandemic and during certain given intervals of time, the disposal rate was even higher than the usual. Also RTI functional in Jammu&Kashmir.
Pandemic Effect on RTI
- RTI disposal rate was higher than June 2019.
- Avoidance of duplication and misguided RTIs will lead to reduction in pendency and workload and will enhance efficiency.
- Besides through virtual means Central Information Commission (CIC) entertaining, hearing and disposing of RTIs from the newly created Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Citizen of India can now file RTI pertaining to matters related to J&K and Ladakh.
What was the concern of RTI in J&K
Following the revoking of Article 370 and ending of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood the central RTI Act 2005 was applying to the two new union territories of J&K and Ladakh. All appeals and complaints pending before the JK Information Commission were set to be transferred to the CIC.
The J&K RTI Act allowed only the residents of the state to file petitions pertaining to state public authorities.
Differences between J&K RTI Act, 2009 and central RTI Act, 2005
RTI functional in Jammu&Kashmir has difference in some clause
- It did not have the exemption clause under Section 8 (1)(s) which pertains to information received from a foreign government in confidence. While the Central Act had ten exemptions, the state law had just nine.
- J&K RTI law fixed a time limit of 60 to 120 days to give a decision on a second appeal but the central RTI Act does not have any such time limit.
- For not performing the duties by the officer penalties are in place and does not exist in the central law.
Source : PIB
Topic
GS II : Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures
Today’s Current Affairs Compilation : 25 August 2020