Info panel directs state to provide details in real time

The state information commission (SIC) has asked the state government to take steps to provide real time suo motu information on projects. The commission directed that the committee that looks over the evidence based project monitoring system (EBPMS) be given suggestions to improvise on the suo motu disclosure by various public authorities to make it more detailed and real time.

The directive came after the commission had a meeting with and presentation by the state's public works department (PWD). Among others present were officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).

Of all the existing departments that provide information, post the presentation, SIC felt that PWD provided with better suo motu disclosure in terms of budget, work and tender awarded, project cost and the percentage of work completed on real time basis.

The directive was given by state chief information commissioner (incharge), Ajit Kumar Jain to Sumit Mullick, chief secretary (CS) on January 24. Jain, in his letter to the CS, stated that the purpose of RTI was to provide information to citizens in a two-fold manner. The first being suo motu disclosure, the proper implementation of which will reduce RTI applications and also the appeals at the commission and the other giving of info on applications.

With respect to suo motu disclosure, Jain pointed out that not all agencies are doing work similar to PWD. The panel hence asked that all authorities, corporations and others be asked to give similar real time information so that citizens can get info on roads, buildings and other projects undertaken by the government.

CLEAR INFO

• The directive was given by state chief information commissioner (incharge), Ajit Kumar Jain to Sumit Mullick, chief secretary (CS) on January 24.
   
• The panel asked that all public authorities, corporations and others be asked to give real time information so that citizens can get information on roads, buildings and other projects undertaken by the government.