The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Steep increase in RTI applications

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Tuesday, Jun 02, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Steep increase in RTI applications

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The number of applications received under the ‘Right To Information (RTI) Act’ in the State increased by 573 per cent in the last three years, indicating a growing public awareness about the Act. The synopsis of State Information Commission Annual Report for 2008 was released to the media persons here on Monday.

Giving the details, Chief Information Commissioner C.D Arha said that of 59,664 applications received in the State, 54,022 had been disposed of. Thirty-nine per cent of appeals had come from the rural areas. “The RTI does not remain an urban phenomenon any more,” Mr. Arha added.

Recommendations

While Hyderabad district topped in the number of complaints filed under RTI, most of the complaints in the State pertained to Revenue department, followed by Municipal Administration and Urban Development. Accordingly, some of the recommendations by the Commission included computerisation of land records, updating of government department websites. While a total of 99,202 applications were received in the last three years, 92 per cent were provided with information sought and 7,121 applications were returned or rejected.

Earlier in the day, the Commission submitted the comprehensive Annual Report to the Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and it would be tabled before the State Legislature soon.

Mr. Arha said barring six departments related to security and intelligence, any other information could be sought under the RTI. He also said that though disposal of cases in the State was highest in the country, pendency was due to increasing work load.

The Commission in association with Centre for Good Governance introduced innovative measures like ‘Online File Tracking System’ and ‘SMS facility’ to know the status of the application. Appreciating the SMS facility, Centre directed for its implementation through out the country.

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Andhra Pradesh