The State Information Commission of Bihar on Thursday introduced for the first time in the country video-conferencing facilities for speedy disposal of RTI complaints at every district headquarters.
Launching the facility, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said similar facilities would be extended up to the block-level.
He said as Public Information Officials faced difficulties in providing information due to shortage of funds “we have now decided to ensure a contingency fund for the purpose.”
He said about 93,000 pieces of information had been sought by applicants through ‘Jankari call centres’ in Bihar after implementation of the RTI Act.
“We will be awarding the 1,00,000th applicant,” he said.
“We are going to implement the Right to Service Act in Bihar from August 15, 2011,” he said, adding it had provisions for dismissal from service if public servants violate the law.
Chief Information Commissioner of India Satyanand Mishra praised the State government for its efforts to popularise the RTI Act and said the number of applicants was increasing from 20 to 25 per cent every year.
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi also expressed happiness over disposal of around 49,000 applications against 53,000 applications in Bihar by the State Information Commission.
