Assam State Government developed an online RTI portal to enhance transparency and public access to information.
- Portal URL: https://rtionline.assam.gov.in.
Development:
- Created by NIC, Assam, under the guidance of the administrative reforms, training, pension and public grievances (ARTPPG) department and the Assam State Information Commission.
- Portal includes details of SPIOs and appellate authorities for various State departments, with provisions for updates as needed.
Role of RTI Activist
- Persistent efforts of RTI Activist Rohit Choudhury over a year to push for implementation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 directive on RTI (Supreme Court verdict in WP (C) no.-990/2021).
- Supreme Court emphasized proactive disclosure of information under Section 4 of the RTI Act.
Supreme Court Mandate
- Directed public authorities to:
- Proactively disclose relevant information about their activities.
- Ensure compliance with Section 4 of the RTI Act.
- Empowered Information Commissions to issue recommendations to public authorities under Section 25(5) of the RTI Act.
Administrative Actions
- State Initiative:
- ARTPPG department issued directives to departments to follow the SC mandate.
- Assam State Information Commission directed all public authorities to voluntarily disclose information.
Impact
- Enhanced public access to government information.
- A significant step towards improving transparency and accountability in State governance.
