HAILAKANDI, Aug 14 � Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Assam, MC Malakar during his three-day visit to Barak Valley held discussion with the heads of various Government departments, PIOs, APIOs and different appellate authorities. Malakar urged them to reply to the RTI applications within 30 days with required information. He requested the designated information officers that the applicant should be suggested the sources of getting information if the required information is not available with them. He informed that the amount of money required for supplying the information or informations should also be intimated to the applicants within thirty days but he cautioned that the applicants should not be asked the reason of seeking information. He said that the information related to the security of the nation should not be given under RTI.
Speaking in the meeting, Cachar Deputy Commissioner Harendra Kumar Dev Mahanta informed that the 132 RTI applications were submitted to the DC office from the period of January 1 to August 5 last and of these, 126 applications were replied in PIO level. He further informed that during the said period, 345 RTI applications were submitted in the different offices throughout Cachar district and of these 296 applications were replied in time accordingly.
Later on Thursday, Malakar visited Hailakandi district and held discussion with the Government officials and stressed the need of creating awareness for the successful implementation of Right to Information Act. The Deputy Commissioner of Hailakandi, S Thiek informed the meeting in details regarding the present status of RTI applications in the district. Malakar asked the officers to be very cautious regarding the reply of RTI applications in time otherwise they may be penalised.
