RTI Week
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, October 05 2017: Stating that the Right to Information (RTI) Act was necessitated by the veil of secrecy and obscurity which covered dealings and activities of Government offices, IPR Minister Th Biswajit has called upon all Government officials to discharge their duties with sincerity in a transparent manner .

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the Right to Information Week Celebration 2017 at Manipur Press Club here today .

The function was graced by IPR Minister Th Biswajit as chief guest and Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian as president .

Efficient implementation of the Right to Information Act will curtail corruption in the State .

Every citizen has the right to know information regarding various development programmes and policies of each and every Government department, Biswajit asserted .

Pointing out that vague or incorrect information can lead to conflicts, he asked information officers to provide right information to the masses .

RTI is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability which are the hallmarks of good governance.

Lack of awareness regarding various schemes delays development in the State.

Sensitization is very much needed for bringing development, he added .

While ensuring that the Manipur Information Commission would be strengthened by inducting more manpower, Biswajit appealed to all citizens not to misuse RTI .

Addressing the gathering, Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian stated that citizens and journalists have to play important roles in effective implementation of the RTI.

He also said that there is a need for spreading awareness regarding RTI Act to the masses .

State Chief Information Commissioner Th Ibobi highlighted important aspects of the Right To Information Act.

A book titled 'A compendium of Important Decisions of Manipur Information Commission on Right To Information' was also released .

As a part of the week long celebration, a State level workshop was also held and various resource persons presented papers .

The celebration is being organised by Manipur Information Commission under the sponsorship of Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India.

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