Introduction
Criminal Activities are growing at Guwahati railway platform in Assam. Poisoning gangs are targeting the Civilians at the platform. First information report was registered in the matter but the government Railway police closed the matter without any finding.
Whether it is not an obligatory duty of the government of Assam to build up the faith of the common people in the working of the government is a question that arises in the context of governance and public administration.
Trust in government institutions is crucial for effective governance, as it fosters cooperation between the state and its citizens.
In Assam, where diverse cultural and social dynamics are at play, it becomes even more essential for the government to engage with the populace transparently and inclusively, ensuring that the voices of all communities are heard and valued.
This way, the government not only fulfils its responsibilities but also contributes to a strong democratic foundation, encouraging civic participation and collaboration in the development process, ultimately enhancing the faith of the common people in their governing bodies.
RTI Appeal in Assam After No Response Within 30-Day Deadline
An RTI applicant, Yogi M P Singh, has filed a first appeal with the Government of Assam’s Administrative Reforms department after the designated Public Information Officer (PIO) failed to provide information within the legally mandated timeframe, which has caused considerable frustration and concern for the applicant.
This delay not only undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that the Right to Information Act was designed to uphold but also reflects poorly on the efficiency of the administrative processes in place.
This appeal highlights a violation of Section 7(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, emphasising the importance of timely access to information for citizens who seek to engage with and understand governmental operations.
Moreover, it serves as a reminder of the critical role that the RTI plays in empowering citizens and ensuring that public authorities remain answerable to the public they serve.
The Initial RTI Request
On November 7, 2024, Mr. Singh submitted an online RTI application seeking information that resulted in an RTI Appeal in Assam. This application was meticulously crafted to ensure that all necessary details were included, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
The details of the initial request are as follows: Mr. Singh aimed to uncover specific information regarding the governmental processes that affect public services in his locality, including timelines and responses from various departments, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
- Application Type: RTI Request
- Registration Number:
RTIASM/R/2024/10579 - Applicant Name: Yogi M P Singh
- Registration Date & Time: 07/11/2024 07:33 PM
- State Public Officer Name: Shri Hriday Ranjan Choudhury
- Contact Number:
9864061344 - Email ID:
hriday.ranjan@gov.in
Violation of the RTI Act, 2005 resulting in RTI Appeal in Assam
According to Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, 2005, a Public Information Officer is obligated to provide the requested information within 30 days of receiving the application. This timeline is not merely a guideline; it is a statutory requirement intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities.
However, when we examine the issue of delays in RTI appeals, such as the specific case unfolding in Assam, we see that these delays not only hinder access to information but also undermine public trust in governmental processes.
The situation of the RTI in Assam illustrates a clear breach as of December 15, 2024. At that point in time, more than a month and a week had passed since the application was filed, yet the PIO had not responded, raising serious concerns about compliance with the law.
This failure to act constitutes a clear violation of the law, and it highlights the pressing need for mechanisms to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their obligations under the RTI Act, thereby fostering a culture of promptness and responsiveness that is crucial for the realisation of citizens’ rights to information.
Filing the First Appeal
Due to the lack of response from the concerned authorities, Mr. Singh found himself in a position where he was compelled to escalate the matter by filing a first appeal. This step was not taken lightly, as he had initially hoped for a timely resolution to his concerns.
Addressing the RTI appeal in Assam correctly is crucial to ensure transparency and accountability in public administration.
The details of the representation are as follows: Mr. Singh has meticulously outlined his grievances and included all relevant information to support his case, highlighting the importance of receiving a prompt and thorough response to his appeal.
- Application Type: First Appeal Request
- Registration Number:
RTIASM/A/2024/10033 - Applicant Name: Yogi M P Singh
- Registration Date & Time: 15/12/2024 09:13 PM
- First Appellate Authority Name: Shri Subhasish Baruah, APS
- Contact Number:
+91-6026900184 - Email ID:
sp-biswanath@assampolice.gov.in
The Appellant’s Request
In his Appeal, Mr. Singh has made two primary requests to the First Appellate Authority regarding his appeal in Assam: the first request pertains to a thorough review of the initial decision made by the lower authority, as he believes there were substantial grounds for contesting the findings.
The second request seeks specific clarification on the procedural aspects that were followed during the original hearing, as Mr. Singh feels that understanding these procedures is vital for ensuring that due process was adequately adhered to and that his rights were fully protected throughout the legal process.
- To direct the Public Information Officer, Shri Hriday Ranjan Choudhury, to provide the requested information to the appellant without any further delay.
- To initiate disciplinary proceedings against the PIO for violating the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. Non-compliance in handling an RTI appeal in Assam demands accountability.
Guwahati Railway platform of Assam is not safe
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