Information Commissioner M. Vijaya Nirmala on Thursday warned officials and government staff against neglecting the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
As part of her three-day visit to the district, Ms. Vijaya Nirmala reviewed applications received under RTI from 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh, seeking information from various government departments.
She said officials and staff at some places were found to be neglecting the issue. Warning that it will not be tolerated, she said the erring persons would attract stringent action.
Officials of Medical and Health, Agriculture, Cooperative Societies, Registrations and other wings were present at the meeting.
The Information Commissioner said henceforth, she would stay put at Vijayawada three days in a week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) and review applications received under RTI by various departments in the 13 districts.
700 cases reviewedMs. Vijaya Nirmala said over 700 cases were reviewed and orders had been given to recover a sum of Rs. 4.5 lakh towards fine for negligence by officials in 18 cases, in 2014.
PenaltyA penalty of Rs. 50,000 had been slapped on Eluru Medical and Health Officer while in Ongole, a fine of Rs. 25,000 each was imposed on four hospitals for violation of stipulation norms.
Officials of Kakinada Government Hospital in East Godavari district incurred her wrath for ‘failing’ to furnish information sought under RTI, despite repeated pleas.
Citing an application filed by one B. Trimurthy, she said the latter had informed that his father, B. Anjaneyulu, a resident of Rajahmundry, had died after he was afflicted with HCV (Hepatitis V Virus). He had undergone dialysis for kidney ailment under Arogyasri scheme at the Rajahmundry Government Hospital.
