The governments should suo motu share information to reach out to the people and for enhancing transparency and accountability, Governor Nikhil Kumar has said.
Inaugurating a national seminar on ‘Right to Information Act – the way forward,’ organised by the State Information Commission and the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), and launching the commission’s portal here on Friday, Mr. Nikhil Kumar said the portal for tracking file movement in the commission was one such major step. India has set a model for other nations in sharing information to the public by implementing the Act.
The Act has put governments and local self-government institutions under duress and they are being made to behave properly now.
ADVERTISEMENT
The expenditure of public funds and all activities are being subjected to public scrutiny. Its impact is most visible in the rural sector. Safeguards should be there to prevent misuse of the Act.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, in his presidential address, said the Act has become a deterrent to corruption and nepotism.
Rather than fighting the malaise, if it could be prevented by making governance transparent and accountable, it will be a great achievement. The Act has strengthened democracy.
ADVERTISEMENT
K. Muraleedharan, who offered felicitations, reminded the shortage of power in offices to provide timely information and warned against the misuse of the Act by vested interests.
Chief Secretary E.K. Bharat Bhushan mentioned about the misuse of the Act by government employees for their furtherance in service.
State Chief Information Commissioner Siby Mathews welcomed the gathering. IMG Director General Nivedita P. Haran proposed a vote of thanks.