Importance of RTI Act stressed in the valedictory function of RTI Week
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 04 2021: A district level workshop on Right to Information (RTI) Act was held today as part of the valedictory function of RTI celebration week at Wakhong Community Hall in Khundrakpam A/C.The event was organised by Manipur Information Commission (MIC) under the sponsorship of Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.

State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) of MIC Oinam Sunil, Pradhan of Uyumpok Gram Panchayat Th Inaocha, senior citizen Th Ibotombi and advocate Dr Ch Narendra graced the event as the presidium members.

Speaking as the chief guest, SCIC Oinam Sunil stated that RTI Act is a pro people act aiming to uproot corruption.

He stressed that RTI Act can be used as a major weapon to control corruption which has got a stronghold in the Indian society and appealed to all to make RTI a movement since applying for RTI will keep a check on the illegal corrupt practices in various departments of the Government which will help in making their activities a fair and transparent one.

SCIC also maintained that Manipur Information Commission is working actively now as compared to previous 4-5 years.

Last year around 300 cases were filed in the Commission and Manipur stands next to Assam in North Eastern States in the case tally.

Further he emphasised on the need to educate the people in the rural and hilly regions of Manipur about RTI Act so that they can take the benefits of this Act and apply for it whenever needed.

One can file for RTI in any of the Government offices if it does not challenge the security and integrity of the State and the country as a whole and RTI also cover cases for violation of human rights as well, he added.

Also he stated that every year the RTI celebration week is held during October and November month however due to COVID-19 pandemic, it resumed in January which started in October last year.

In the academic session of the workshop, Advocate Dr Ch Narendra spoke on the topic 'The Concept of RTI Act 2005' and Deputy Registrar (Judicial-I) of MIC, S Inao spoke on 'Responsibilities of Public Information Officer (PIO), First Appellate Authority (FAA) and Manipur Information Commission (MIC) towards providing information to citizen' .

As a part of the event, prizes were distributed to the winners of State level RTI Painting Competition held in December 31, 2020 organised by MIC and Fine Arts Department of Manipur University.

Lanleiba Sinam, Laishram Bipin and Martin Tongbram won the first, second and third positions respectively in the competition and were awarded with a certificate each along with a cash prize.

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