Central Information Commissioner for RTI courts

Varanasi, Jul 16: Central Information Commissioner O P Kejriwal today called for setting up designated RTI fast-track courts to promptly dispose disputes under the Right to Information Act (RTI).

Talking to sources here, Mr Kejriwal said that no piece of legislatation has so much impact in a shorter time as the RTI, but appeals in courts against the decision of the Central Information Commission (CIC) will further add to the already overburdened judicial system.

The Information Commissioner, one of the five appointed to deal with complaints and appeals under the RTI act pertaining to central government departments said that designated RTI fast-track courts on lines of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was the need of the hour for better implementation of the Act..

''Two to three judges can be appointed as designated RTI court to promptly dispose of appeals against RTI decisions or any other dispute falling under the purview. This will not only ensure quick jurisprudence under the RTI Act, but also save the time of country's mainstream legal system already troubled with growing pendency of civil and criminal cases,'' Mr Kejriwal maintained.

Calling for more awareness among general public about the Act which gives them the right to secure information from public offices, Mr Kejriwal said maximum number of complaints with the Commission were not filed by general public, but employees of various central government departments.

''It is the civil servants only and that too in the Railways, HRD and Civil Aviation ministry, who form the majority of complainants with the Central Commission,'' he informed.

Lauding the role of NGOs in acting as 'volunteers' to help the common public in exercising their right to information under the RTI, Mr Kejriwal said that volunteers were active in 48 cities of the country.

''The Act is of immense public importance, but the commoners were still largely unaware of its benefits. The volunteers not only educate the public about the potency of the informational tool rendered by the RTI but also guide the commoners in how to use it,'' he said.

The Information Commissioner also highlighted that retired government employees form volunteer groups to help the public in getting the best out of the information tool.

''This will not only provide the public, helpers in those who were well versed with systems and procedures in government offices, but also give the retired employees a reason to live productive life after superannuation''.

UNI