RTI Act need be recognised: Official

Puducherry, Oct 31: Padma Balasubramanyam, Central Information Commissioner today said when freedom of expression was guaranteed in the Constitution, Right to Information (RTI) Act should also be recognised.

Inaugurating a seminar on RTI here, she said the Act was introduced in India in 2005, considering the country's democratic credentials and it would benefit the nation immensely. In New Delhi, video conferencing was introduced to facilitate the communication process, he added.

Underlining the need for trained officers and supporting staffs, she said the principal information officers should be trained to be conversant with the provisions of the Act to avoid misuse of the legislation.

Ms Balasubramanyam said the purpose of introducing the Act was to improve the working conditions in various departments, as there were applications to get personal informations, which could not be entertained.

She called upon organisations like consumer councils to hold conferences to generate awareness among people about the Act and its provisions.

Secretary to the Government of Puducherry, Balakrishnan, speaking on the occasion, urged the need to utilise the RTI Act properly.

The organisations and the public should be made aware of the use of RTI Act, Mr Balakrishnan added.

UNI