In accordance with the State Commission, RTI week was observed at CTC Hall, Chümoukedima today.

The event was held under the theme ‘RTI- a tool for transparent and accountable governance’ with the objective to create awareness amongst the district officials, village councils/VDBs, students, media, NGOs, CSOs among others.

Advocate Vikuolie Nihu Kera was the resource person of the event. He said to exist in a democracy the public must know about RTI which is considered the second independence for the citizens of India. It creates a practical regime of rights to information for citizens to secure transparency and accountability on public authorities. It grants a statutory right to information for every citizen, to contain corruption, Kera said.

The advocate also informed on what cannot be asked and what information cannot be given which are exempted information under sections 8 & 9, the exempted organization under section 24 & Schedule II (Intelligence & Security organization).

Kera also gave briefings on the time duration needed to get information –

• Request for information – 30 days
• The life or liberty of a person – 48 hours
• If a third party is involved – 40 days
• Allegations not of a violation of human rights – 45 days

The public has the right to appeal to the Public Information Officers (PIOs) or Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs), and go for a second appeal to the Nagaland Information Commission within 90 days from the date on which the first appeal decision was made, he added.

Kera further appealed to RTI users to be sensible and responsible in using RTI. Even though RTI is usually used for the interest of the public, he also warned that it can sometimes be misused with malicious intention. The RTI must be utilized in good faith for the overall good of society. He advised the citizens to enjoy their rights but remember their duties and obligation.

The advocate reminded the attendees that RTI is not created for fault findings but rather to ensure transparency in governance. He also called for prompt response to every application and pro-activeness in dealing with the matters of RTI.

The RTI week commenced with a keynote address by Dr Kuzonyi Wideo, ADC Chümoukedima,.

One can bring to the notice of the commission by writing to them at the following address:

Nagaland State Information Commission

Post Box 148, Kohima, Nagaland-797001

Email: cic.nagaland@gmail.com

Website: www.nlsic.nagaland.gov.in