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| RTI Activist Balvinder Singh Applauds CM Omar Abdullah for Launching Online RTI Portal | |
Jammu, January 10 (Scoop News)-S. Balvinder Singh, a prominent RTI activist in Jammu and Kashmir, has lauded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for launching the much-awaited online RTI portal. Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Jammu and Kashmir, this digital initiative marks a significant step toward simplifying the RTI application process for citizens across the Union Territory.
Singh highlighted that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 led to the replacement of the State RTI Act 2009 with the Central RTI Act 2005. While welcoming the integration with the central framework, he expressed concerns over certain gaps in the Central RTI Act. Notably, he pointed out the absence of a fixed timeframe for disposing of second appeals, unlike the 60-day period mandated by the now-abolished State RTI Act.
Balvinder recalling his own participation in the RTI Conference organized by the Central Information Commission (CIC) on September 3, 2013, Singh commended Omar Abdullah’s unwavering support for transparency. During the valedictory session, Abdullah, the then Chief Minister of State, had openly criticized political parties for their double standards on transparency, stating, “It's a little strange. We want transparency for others but not for ourselves.” Abdullah further emphasized in the conference that transparency should be the guiding principle across all spheres of governance, including politics and administration, to ensure the rule of law and justice prevail.
Singh also expressed his disappointment with the central government, which, despite championing RTI while in opposition, has failed to uphold its principles. This concern was validated by the Supreme Court on January 7, 2025, which criticized the prolonged delay in appointing Information Commissioners to the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SIC). The apex court directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and state governments to set clear timelines for filling these critical vacancies.
Balvinder Singh expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for fulfilling a long-standing demand of both RTI activists and citizens by introducing the online RTI portal. He described the initiative as a significant reform aimed at enhancing transparency, promoting accountability in governance, and simplifying the process of filing RTI applications across Jammu and Kashmir.
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