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| RTI Movement welcomes Omar's statement | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 5: J&K RTI Movement has welcomed the latest statement of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in which he has advocated for the fortification the RTI Act.
"We have always been of the opinion that the young CM of J&K will extend his support in making RTI an effective tool but we were taken aback to see amendment in RTI Rules last September which happened during the regime of Omar Abdullah only. We still have a strong expectation that the rules 2012 will be revoked," said Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, chairperson of the RTI Movement.
Sheikh said that the RTI activists hade given immense sacrifices and played a critical role in not only advocating for strong RTI act in J & K but have also played a vital part in creating awareness among masses especially people living in rural areas. "We welcome Omar Abdullah's statement that RTI activists should act as watch dog," he said.
Appreciating Omar for implementing section 4 of J&K RTI Act (Proactive disclosure) in some administrative departments he said a lot more needs to be done in this regard. He hoped the CM will play a major role in implementation of section 4 in letter and spirit so that the public authorities will not have to revert to huge number of RTI applications been filed.
"In order to create awareness among masses especially in rural areas CM should also use his good offices for the proper implementation of section 23 (1) of J&K RTI Act which also states that government will develop and organise educational programs to advance the understanding of public, in particular of disadvantaged communities as to how to exercise the rights contemplated in the act," he said.
He also urged the CM to l declare his own political party a public authority so that it serves a model for others.
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