Right of citizens to know Govt activities: Awangbow
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, October 05 2023:
Water Resources minister Awangbow Newmai on Thursday inaugurated Right to Information (RTI) Week Celebration 2023 at DIPR auditorium hall, Nityaipat Chuthek, Keishampat, here.
The celebration was organised by Manipur Information Commission under the sponsorship of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel & Training with the objective of popularising the RTI Act, 2005.Addressing the gathering, minister Awangbow stressed that RTI Act is an important Act as every individual has the right to know the different activities and functioning of the government.
As India is the largest democratic country in the world, this Act will help in bringing transparency and accountability for ensuring good governance, he said and also emphasised on importance to avoid misuse of RTI Act for personal gains.
Minister Awangbow continued that the Act has been promulgated to encourage more public participation and to strengthen the government in the state and nation building processes.
He also emphasised that RTI should be used for greater good and not for blackmailing or for harming someone.
Noting that everyone is aware about Manipur Information Commission performing excellently and commending the Commission for living up to the people's expectation, Awangbow appealed all concerned not to misuse the Act but create awareness about the Act to the public as much as they can.
Attending the function as guest of honour, additional chief secretary (AR/Relief & DM/Forest/RD &PR/TA & Hills) MH Khan said that a society has to be transparent.
Development of any society will be fruitful and better if there is transparency as far as possible, he added.
As part of the celebration, a State Level Workshop was held with advocate Dr Ch Narendra Singh and Imphal Times editor Rinku Khumukcham as resource persons.
The inaugural session of the celebration was also attended by state chief information commissioner Oinam Sunil Singh as president along with officials of the department and students.