THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The order on implementation of the Right to Information Act and constitution of State Information Commission, released by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here on Thursday, differs significantly from the Cabinet decisions announced by him last Tuesday.

The Chief Minister had told media persons last week that department heads would be designated as State public information officers.

However, the order says that a senior level officer in each department will be identified district wise and designated as State Public Information Officer by the concerned heads of department for providing information concerning the department to persons requesting the same.

The order, dated October 10, also states that at each sub-district or sub-divisional level, an officer may be designated as the State Assistant Public Information Officer before October 12 to receive applications for information and appeal under the Act. As the order did not reach any of the heads of departments on the date of issue itself and Tuesday and Wednesday were holidays, no heads of department has announced designation of officers before October 12.

The same is the case with several other directives in the order.

The order states that all heads of departments will take immediate steps to maintain all records duly catalogued and indexed in a manner and form, which facilitate the right to information.

Computerisation of files

They are also to ensure computerisation of records within a reasonable time with the available resources so that the citizens could access the records.

The particulars of the functions, duties or each organisation, power and duties of its officers and employees and a statement of categories of documents that are held by the organisation and under its control shall be published by the heads of departments before October 12.

The order says that the rules and regulations for the functioning of the Information Commission will be formulated after due consultation with the Law Department.

The Chief Engineer (Administration) of Public Works Department will arrange suitable building for the Commission before November 1.

(Though the Commission has been constituted, its members are yet to be appointed).

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