What is RTI?
RTI is a world renowned concept which stands for “Right to Information”. It is presently enforced as a legal framework in almost 125 countries either under the title of RTI or FOI (Freedom of Information), both being interchangeable for each other. It is based on premise that citizens being taxpayers are the owners of state machinery and information held by public bodies. It is believed that with public information of each order or use of public funds, leads to participatory governance in real democracy.
In Pakistan the foundation of RTI was laid with insertion of Article 19-A in the Constitution in 2010. It acknowledged Right to information as a fundamental right of citizens and any citizen can have access to any public information of public importance held by any public body. RTI boosts transparency, accountability, efficiency of public functionaries, elimination of corruption and obviously improve the public services.
What are benefits of RTI?
- RTI provides an opportunity to citizens to comment on public services and performance of public bodies.
- It develops public opinion about public services and functions of public bodies which is necessary for democracy.
- It helps the authorities to identify gaps and lapses in governance.
- It contributes to improve public services.
- It ensures efficient and corruption free public services.
- It makes public functionaries / bodies responsive to citizens.
How RTI contributes for good governance?
When a citizen gets information of any public service or use of public fund, he is obviously becomes more effective in his day to day functions. It also provide opportunity for citizens to comment upon the performance & policies of public bodies which leads to a vibrant public opinion. Since public opinion plays a pivotal role in national politics so ultimately the overall governance necessarily improves. It is because general ignorance of public which allows public functionaries are for that matter government at the top level to indulge in policies which are not in the interest of public at large. In short RTI is a recipe of elimination of corruption, efficiency of public functionaries and good governance.
The Government also benefits from RTI as public debate makes it aware of the gaps and weaknesses in the function of public bodies as such provides an opportunity to address said issues. In this view of matter RTI is beneficial to major stakeholder including public and public bodies.
Vision of Deputy Commissioner Narowal?
Deputy Commissioner Lahore considers RTI as an enabler law which facilitates citizens to avail of public services in a better manner. He also considers RTI as a tool of accountability by citizens which ultimately leads to an informed society. He also believes that maximum disclosures and transparency makes his office and public services credible in public eye.
Pro-active Disclosure of Public Information: (Sec-4 of the Act);
- Functions of DC office Narowal,
- Powers & functions of officers,
- Decision Making Process,
- Acts, Ordinances, Rules, Regulations, Notifications etc.,
- Categories of information held by DC Office,
- Decision making process,
- Directory of officers with remunerations, perks & privileges,
- Allocated budget and actual expenditures,
- Amounts of subsidies with detail of beneficiaries,
- Beneficiaries of concessions, permits or authorizations,
- Facilities for citizens to obtain information (email, helpline, grievance boxes, through PIO),
- Name, designation & particulars of PIO/s,
Time Limit
Although usual limit for providing/disclosing information is 14 working days yet in case of some complications the said limit extends maximum up to 28 days but in such case PIO of DC Office Narowal informs the citizen about the cause of delay and tentative date of disclosure.
In case any information is found exempted under any of 8 sub-clauses of Sec-13 (1), PIO of DC office Narowal pass a Speaking Order and dispatch its copy at the given address of complainant.
All PIOs in DC office Narowal keep efficient liaison with Punjab Information Commission for guidance and also appear for hearing when citizen file a RTI Complaint (Appeal) before the Commission.
Citizens are also advised to visit RTI Punjab Commission website and fill the online application form to directly submit the application to Commission.