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Report blames vacancies for poor numbers

As per information provided, the commission's efficiency fell in clearing the number of second appeals as compared to the previous year.

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Vacancies at the commission marred the functioning and disposal of the second appeals. As per information provided, the commission's efficiency fell in clearing the number of second appeals as compared to the previous year.

While in 2015, the commission cleared 40,084 second appeals, in 2016, the figure stood at 31,183. The commission, in its report, cited vacancies at Aurangabad, Amravati and Nashik benches to be the reason. "It is hence necessary to fill the posts immediately and appoint commissioners at the headquarter bench, Pune and Aurangabad bench," the report added.

RTI activists have long blamed the vacancies at the commission for killing the RTI Act. As per the RTI Act, 10 benches are allowed besides the chief commissioner. The state put up eight benches besides that of the chief. The demand has been that all be set up and filled.

Besides commissioners missing, the commission has 40 per cent vacancy from its sanctioned strength. Of 136 posts in 2016, 55 were vacant. These included officials who are supposed to take down orders. "It is because commissions are in bad shape and compliance of the orders not done that the public information officials are brazen in refusing information," said Shailesh Gandhi, former central information commissioner.

"Vacancies in commission need to be filled by non-bureaucratic and non-favourties of ruling and oppositon parties. There should be someone of eminence as cited in RTI Act with the motive of transparency in mind. Commissioners should also clear a minimum number of appeals. The commission should also be allowed to have its own staff as it is independent," said Bhaskar Prabhu, an RTI activist.

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