Congress accuses NDA government of misleading people

Patna, Jul 4 (UNI) Bihar Congress today accused the NDA government of misleading the people on the issue of Right to Information(RTI) Act.

Chief spokesman of the state Congress Prem Chandra Mishra said Chief Minister Nitish Kumars announcement about appointment of the Information Commissioner yesterday, 'disclosed' the fact that the RTI Act had not been fully implemented in the state so far.

Mr Mishra informed that following implementation of the the act by the Centre, it was mandatory for all state governments to implement it by February 18 itself. But Bihar failed to meet the deadline forcing the Congress to file a Public Interest Petition in Patna High Court seeking directive to the state government for implementing the act in the state.

He alleged that the state government also kept the high court in the dark and tried to wrap up its failure on one plea or the other.

When the court specifically asked the government to furinsh the name of the officers designated for providing information to the people on their demand, it sought more time from the court. The matter was still pending in the court, he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Nitish Kumar has said the state government would soon appoint Information Commissioner for implementing the Right to Information(RTI) Act. He said rules and procedures for appointing the Information Commissioner had already been finalised.

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