The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Four-fold increase in utilisation of RTI Act

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Monday, Sep 29, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Four-fold increase in utilisation of RTI Act

Special Correspondent

Against 8,864 applications in 2005-06, the number shot up to 31,964 in 2007

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) on Saturday furnished statistics showing that the annual increase of people utilising the Right to Information Act was four-fold, with improved awareness and inspiration among the masses.

Against 8,864 applications received by the commission in 2005-06, its first year, the number in the year 2007 shot up to 31,964.

Of these 27,775 (91 per cent) were disposed at the Principal Information Officer (PIO) level itself by December 31, 2007. Information received from the 1.79 lakh PIO-level offices said information was furnished in over 90 per cent of the cases.

200 per cent

A press release stated that in the commission too, a 200 per cent increase in receipt of appeals and complaints was registered.

Of 10,102 received, the APIC disposed 7,912 (78 per cent), while the remaining were under process at various stages. Also, the APIC had undertaken 170 field tours at the district, revenue division and mandal levels and Commissioners attended over 500 review meetings, awareness seminars and workshops as part of its campaign.

Surprise inspections

Surprise inspections were conducted by Commissioners at the offices of over 3,000 public authorities and the APIC was focussing on creating integrated training and awareness programmes through agencies like the Centre for Good Governance and the Marri Channa Reddy Human Resources Development Institute, the release added.

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