State Information Commission inaugurated

GENERAL RODRIGUES INAUGURATES OFFICE OF STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION
The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F Rodrigues, PVSM VSM today strongly advocated the imperative need for bringing about more transparency, responsibility and accountability in our administrative system to achieve the objectives of Right to Information Act, and thus ensuring the complete participation and active involvement of our people, in the democratic process of our country. At the same time, the mechanism for the redressal of public grievances, already in place, needs to be further strengthened as a support structure for the implementation of this Act, in letter and spirit.

General Rodrigues, while addressing the function after inaugurating the office of State Information Commissioner Punjab, here today, said that Right to Information Act is a major step empowering the people and will act as a instrument of social transformation and a gradual transition from perception of “We” and “They” to “Us”, thus paving the way for mass participation and identification for the common man. He said that all of us must keep in mind the “Put India First Mantra” and make concerted & collective efforts for making India as a Nation of confident, capable and self-reliant people.

Emphasizing the need of enabling our people to contribute effectively to the New India, General Rodrigues said that we must seek their effective, collaborative and participative endeavour at all levels, to enable the nation to face challenges successfully, in different fields of endeavour. He said that Indians have demonstrated their capacity, ability and determination in foreign lands and achieved excellence without any support. There is no reason why we cannot deliver results in our own Country. We have to identify the problems that come in the way of the growth and balanced development of our people and take appropriate remedial measures. This is all the more important, in the context of our 8% sustained growth rate and the emergence of India, as one of the world’s largest economy.

General Rodrigues said that in Chandigarh, we have introduced a citizens charter in every Department and ensured the decentralization of the powers of most government functionaries. He said that the programme is moving ahead in the right direction which will, soon result culminate in full transparency in our delivery systems. He also launched the website of State Information Commission.

Mr. Wazait Habibullah, Chief Information Commissioner, Central Information Commission, while speaking on the occasion, said that Right to Information Act is a revolutionary step taken by the Government for redressing the grievances of the people in a systematic manner, which is vital for the successful functioning of democracy. He said that 800 applications have so far been received by the Central Commission out of which 200 have been decided and the remaining are being progressed. He said that there is a need of generating mass awareness among the people about this Act so that maximum people can derive benefit.

Mr. Rajan Kashyan, State Information Commissioner, while giving presentation about the Act said that its objectives for good governance include transparency, accountability and public participation. He said that the Commission established on 11th October, 2005 has instituted 161 cases including appeals and complaints and 24 cases have been decided. He said that grievance redressal system, at the district level, is being created and the empowerment of panchayats and local bodies will be ensured.

Chief Secretary, Shri K.R. Lakhanpal, while speaking on the occasion assured all assistance to the Commission for its smooth functioning and training of State Government Officers in various departments will be conducted to deliver public satisfaction. Mr. B.R. Bajaj, Principal Secretary, Information Technology, while proposing vote of thanks said that the Punjab Government has appointed 9525 PIOs in various departments totally completing the process.

Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included; Mr. B.C. Gupta, Principal Secretary, Home, Mr. D.S. Jaspal, Principal Secretary Information and Public Relations, Mr. B.S. Sudan, Director, Public Relations, Mr. N.S. Kalsi, Secretary and Director Information Technology.