Dr Jitendra inaugurates Information Commissioners’ convention, cites instances of Modi Govt’s transparent working
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: The 16th Annual Convention of the Central Information Commission was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam here on Tuesday by Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Citing several instances of the Modi Govt’s transparent working, the Minister said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mantra of Minimum Government Maximum Governance essentially implies furtherance of transparency”.
The theme of the Convention of the Central Information Commission was “Contribution of RTI in journey towards Viksit Bharat”.
Dr. Jitendra, while addressing the Convention, emphasized the pivotal role of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The event brought together under one roof Chief Information Commissioners, State Information Commissioners, senior government officials, and representatives of civil society.
Highlighting the significance of the RTI Act, Dr. Jitendra stated, “The RTI Act has empowered citizens by providing them with a robust mechanism to access information, bridging the gap between government and the people. It serves as a cornerstone in the fight against corruption and in fostering a citizen-centric governance model.”
The Minister praised the Central and State Information Commissions for their innovative use of technology, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Central Information Commission’s adoption of e-initiatives, including e-filing, e-hearings, and digitization of records, has set new benchmarks for efficiency and transparency,” he noted.
Union Minister further stressed upon utilising technology in various domains of governance. He also talked about the SVAMITVA model, which helps in eroding the physical interface with authorities. The Union Minister also talked about imparting innovation in the Governance.
Total of 1302 Public Authorities have submitted their transparency audit reports for the year 2023-24. He urged all public authorities to enhance their proactive disclosure practices, underscoring the importance of Section 4 of the RTI Act in broadening the transparency regime. Union Minister, in this series stressed upon the importance of disposal of cases swiftly and thus, to the satisfaction of citizenry.
Expressing his appreciation for the leadership of Chief Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya and his colleagues, Dr. Jitendra reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the RTI mechanism. “Transparency and accountability are essential for building trust in governance. We are dedicated to making the RTI process more responsive and citizen-friendly to reinforce the democratic fabric of the nation,” he concluded.
