Submitted on Thursday, Joshi’s recommendations focus on making disposal of RTI applications speedier.
In his yearly submission made to the state government and the legislature, Dr Suresh Joshi, chief information commissioner, has recommended appointment of senior officers as appellate authorities in various government/local self government bodies so that “wiser decisions” could be taken at that level.
Submitted on Thursday, Joshi’s recommendations focus on making disposal of RTI applications speedier. “We feel that if there are senior people they can take better and wiser decisions,” said Joshi.
He added, “In the city, I would want the deputy municipal commissioners to be the first appellate authorities instead of assistant municipal commissioners. Only because the appeals are so high I have not made that part categorical in the submission.”
In 2007, BMC itself received 39,000 applications as against 31,000 in the whole of Andhra Pradesh. The state receives 4,16,090 appeals.
He added, “I have also asked that they impose fine to be levied on PIOs even though the Act does not authorise them to do so.”
Amongst other recommendations is voluntary disclosure of information by the authorities, which he feels as the most important step for the success of RTI Act. “We feel that if this starts happening, the RTI applications will reduce and people will have more faith in the system,” he added. What he means by voluntary disclosure is that through websites and other means of communication, the government/semi-government bodies should disseminate maximum information, without having to ask for it.
For faster movement of appeals, Joshi has also asked for appointment of dedicated assistant PIOs so that there is always a person to guide and accept the appeals. “The idea is that appeals should reach the PIO the very same day,” said Joshi.
Among other recommendations are better record management at all government departments and computerisation of records. “Not finding file and improper record management leads to unnecessary delay,” said Joshi.
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