LUCKNOW: UP is not only slow in disposal of RTI(Right To Information) applications but also in seeking funds for strengthening the RTI infrastructure in the state. UP State Information Commission (UPSIC) has still not submitted a proposal to the centre to seek funds for taking necessary steps to strengthen the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The department of personnel and training (DoPT), GoI, in the start of June, had asked all the state information commissions (SICs) and administrative training institutes (ATIs) to submit proposals to seek funds for generating awareness on RTI and strengthening infrastructure for the effective implementation of the Act in the respective states.
While the state’s administrative training institute has submitted the proposal, the state information commission is still to act. DoPT has, so far, received proposals from at least 13 SICs. "As soon as the state submits its proposals, we will hold a meeting and decide what amount has to be released," said sources in DoPT, New Delhi.
The states are also required to submit the Utilization Certificate (UT) for the funds received in the last financial year. UP, however, has not acted on that as well. Sources in UPSIC, however, said that since the post of the secretary is lying vacant, sending a proposal might take time.
To strengthen the RTI regime, a centrally sponsored scheme for ‘strengthening, capacity building and awareness generation for effective implementation of RTI Act’, was launched in 2008 with the primary objective of creating awareness and for training officers, both in central and state governments.
Under the scheme, funds were provided to SICs for strengthening IT infrastructure for awareness generation. The money was also provided for training of public information officers (PIOs) and appellate authorities (AAs).
The funds have to be utilized for creating awareness by celebrating RTI Week every year between October 5 and 12. SICs have to be provided with a financial assistance of up to Rs 2.5 lakh for conducting workshops, seminars, press-meets and competitions at school and college level on RTI-related themes.
The commissions have to submit a detailed proposal to seek funds, under various heads, to get funds from the centre.