RTI essential to uphold democracy: HAC Chairman
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 22 2022:
The valedictory function of RTI Week Celebration was held today at Manipur Press Club at Majorkhul in the attendance of Hill Areas Committee Chairman Dinganglung (Dipu) Gangmei as chief guest.
All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) president Wangkhemcha Shamjai and Chief Information Commissioner Oinam Sunil Singh also attended the programme as guest of honour and president respectively.
At the event, Dipu Gangmei said that the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was enacted to reform and rectify the system of the country and ensure accountability in governance.
He continued that the Act, however, has to be used constructively.
Saying that some Government officials might be irritated by applications filed under the RTI Act and might consider the legislation as a nuisance, Dipu Gangmei maintained that judicious use of the legislation is imperative to uphold democracy.
The HAC Chairman also stated that Manipur Information Commission (MIC) will work in the interest of the State and do what is necessary.
AMWJU president Shamjai said that corruption, favouritism and nepotism are some of the major challenges besieging Manipur.
Saying that young people should have a clear understanding of the RTI Act and use it wisely, Shamjai claimed that there, unfortunately, are also some people who use the legislation with vested interest.
CEC Oinam Sunil also spoke at the event.
He said that MIC is one of the most active information commissions in India.
Saying that many cases taken up by the MIC were heard at Supreme Court, Sunil said that MIC has been working at its best level despite shortage of staff and infrastructure.
He also said the role of MIC in a State where there is a problem of corruption, nepotism and favouritism is immense.
Saying that Manipur Police is not covered by RTI Act if the matter is not related to human rights and corruption, Sunil maintained that a State Police Information Officer (SPIO) of Manipur Police has been appointed in view of the exemption.
Sunil further stated that village authorities in hill districts were not covered by the legislation earlier "but now information can be sought from the village authorities through the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills.
Later, the presidium members distributed prizes for the essay competition jointly organised by MIC and DM University.