Avinash Azad
Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 15: Being custodian of proper implementation of J&K RTI Act, as First Appellate Authority, the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Poonch in his 'diktat' snubbed information seeker that only aggrieved persons can seek information under J&K RTI Act.
According to the information seeker, who filed an RTI in office Public Information Officer (PIO), Block Development Office, Balakot, but the PIO has not provided the information, and the First Appellate Authority (FAA) too not complying with the mandate under J&K RTI Act 2009.
"I also approached that FAA, i.e. Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Poonch Dr Basharat Hussain, instead of listening me, he (ACD) the information sought does not come under purview of the J&K RTI Act", the information seeker said.
He further said that the FAA snubbed him that only aggrieved people, as per Act are entitled to seek information. "I know what Act says, since you belong another district, you are not entitled to seek information pertains to Poonch district", the FAA told information seeker telephonically.
"According to J&K RTI, Act 2009, any citizen of J&K state can access information under the control of public authorities in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority", said a RTI Activist.
He further said that there is no provision in the Act that prevent a person to seeks information related to public authority within the state.
Meanwhile, the aggrieved information seeker, said that he filed an RTI application through speed post in the office of BDO, Balakot, in Poonch district on 4th October 2016. "After lapse of stipulated time under the Act, accordingly, first appeal was filed in the office of FAA, i.e. ACD Poonch", he said and added that on Thursday, when he approached ACD, the ACD tried to rebuff me.
"It smells the information sought under J&K RTI Act, may expose 'misappropriation' being committed by officials of RDD, that's why the ACD seems reluctant over the issue", said an official of RDD, wishing not be named. |
