DPRO & ADO Panchayat Mirzapur ridiculed the RTI Act 2005 in district Mirzapur, which not only undermines the law itself but also raises serious concerns about the transparency and accountability expected from public officials.
This highlights the ongoing issues in DPRO & ADO Mirzapur’s compliance efforts, as their apparent disregard for such a critical piece of legislation suggests a troubling lack of commitment to civic responsibility and ethical governance.
In order to restore public trust and meet the expectations of the community, DPRO & ADO Mirzapur need to take significant steps to adhere to regulations, including implementing comprehensive training for their staff on the importance of the RTI Act, establishing clearer communication channels for the public, and fostering a culture of openness that encourages citizens to exercise their rights without fear of ridicule or retribution.

RTI Appeal Spotlight: Upholding Transparency in Panchayat Raj Operations

By Yogi M. P. Singh
Surekapuram Colony, Jabalpur Road, Mirzapur City
📞 7379105911 | 📧 yogimpsingh@gmail.com

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Introduction

In a democratic society, the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is a powerful tool that empowers citizens to hold their government accountable. Through this act, individuals can seek transparency and demand detailed information regarding various activities and decisions made by public authorities.
This blog post highlights a recent RTI appeal that I, Yogi M. P. Singh, filed concerning the alarming irregularities in the functioning of Gram Panchayats under the Development Block Chhanbey, District Mirzapur.
Such appeals are not just about seeking information; they serve as vital instruments for civic engagement and advocacy, reflecting a collective demand for accountability in public services.
This situation further underscores the pressing need for compliance by both DPRO and ADO Mirzapur in order to ensure proper governance and the effective utilization of public resources.
It’s crucial for departments like DPRO and ADO Mirzapur to enhance compliance, as this fosters trust between citizens and their government, ultimately leading to improved public welfare and governance.

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Background of the RTI Application

On 12th October 2024, I submitted an RTI application via the Uttar Pradesh RTI portal (Registration No. DIRPR/R/2024/60593). The inquiry focused on the uploading of Public Information Board images by Gram Panchayats for the campaign year 2023–2024.
This application was directed towards seeking clarity on the procedures and compliance related to the digital dissemination of public information, as these visuals play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance.
I aimed to ascertain whether the Gram Panchayats adhered to the mandated guidelines for uploading accurate images and whether there were any discrepancies or issues that hindered the effective communication of public information to the citizens.
Collecting this data is essential for understanding the efficiency of the system and its impact on community engagement and awareness initiatives throughout the campaign period.

Out of 97 Gram Panchayats, only 12 had complied with the need to upload images on the GPDP portal. The remaining 85 did not comply. This raises serious concerns about transparency and compliance. These concerns are especially from officials like DPRO & ADO Mirzapur. There must be emphasis on the efforts by DPRO & ADO Mirzapur to address these compliance issues promptly.

I sought the following information:

• Reasons for non-uploading by the 85 Gram Panchayats.
• Names and designations of officials responsible for monitoring and uploading.
• Details of fund disbursement to non-compliant Gram Panchayats.
• Accountability of district-level officers overseeing the GPDP portal.

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Irregular Response from the Public Information Officer

The District Panchayat Raj Officer (DPRO) Mirzapur did not handle the queries raised. Instead, they responded with information related to a different RTI application (DIRPR/R/2024/60644). This was filed by another individual, Shri Ashok Kumar Singh. This response pertained to a different Gram Panchayat and topic matter altogether.

Such misdirection not only reflects gross negligence but also undermines the procedural integrity of the RTI process, highlighting a troubling disregard for the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability that the Act seeks to uphold.
This is a clear violation of the RTI Act, which is designed to empower citizens with the right to access information and hold public officials accountable for their actions. It obstructs the citizen’s right to correct and relevant information, creating barriers that deny individuals the knowledge necessary for informed engagement with government processes.
This is especially important when it concerns officials like DPRO & ADO Mirzapur and their responsibilities, as their roles are crucial in ensuring that information flows freely and accurately to the public, thereby fostering trust and confidence in the administrative system. Such failures not only erode public trust but also set a dangerous precedent for future interactions between citizens and authority.

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Legal Concerns and Allegations

The response provided raises several legal and ethical concerns:

• It is irrelevant and misleading.
• It suggests systemic issues within the Panchayat Raj Department.
• It may show deliberate obfuscation or procedural lapses.
• It violates Section 7(1) and Section 18 of the RTI Act, which mandate timely and accurate responses.

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Appeal and Hearing Details

The matter has now reached the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission for further hearing. This development requires careful attention to the actions of DPRO & ADO Mirzapur.

• Appeal Registration Number: A-20241200030
• File Number: S09/A/0002/2025
• Hearing Date: 2nd September 2025
• Hearing Room: S-9
• Status: For further hearing
• Online Hearing Link: Click here to join (12:30 PM to 2:00 PM)

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Prayer for Relief

In light of the above, I respectfully request the Hon’ble Commission to:

1. Start an inquiry into the conduct of the DPRO Mirzapur.
2. Direct the PIO to give the correct and full information.
3. Take action under Section 20 of the RTI Act for non-compliance.
4. Guarantee accountability in the Panchayat Raj Department’s operations.

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Conclusion

Transparency is the cornerstone of good governance, ensuring that citizens are informed participants in the democratic process.
An arbitrary denial of information, coupled with procedural lapses, not only erodes public trust but also undermines the very democratic values that our society is built upon.
By limiting access to information, we create an environment of suspicion and detachment, where citizens feel alienated from the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Through this appeal, I seek not only to uphold the spirit of the RTI Act but also to reinforce the citizen’s right to information as a fundamental human right, which empowers individuals and strengthens accountability in government.
It is essential that we advocate for transparency to foster an inclusive dialogue, promote civic engagement, and ultimately ensure that our governance systems reflect the will and needs of the people they serve.

Let us continue to demand accountability in all areas of governance. We must ensure that public institutions serve the people with integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to their welfare.
This is not merely a request but a necessity for effective governance by officials, including the District Panchayat Raj Officer (DPRO) and Additional District Officer (ADO) in Mirzapur.
It is essential that these leaders prioritize the needs and voices of the community to foster trust and collaboration among citizens.
By holding public officials accountable for their actions and decisions, we can help create an environment where every stakeholder feels valued and empowered to contribute to the collective progress of our society.

DPRO sent RTI application concerning BDO Chhanbey to BDO Jamalpur