Transparency at Stake: Defunct Information Commissions Stall RTI Process

A report highlights that state information commissions in Goa, Jharkhand, Tripura, and Telangana have been non-functional due to a lack of information commissioners. This has led to a significant backlog of RTI appeals and complaints. The report emphasizes vacancies and slow case disposal rates across several commissions.

A recent report has shed light on the alarming situation of defunct state information commissions in India, impacting the RTI process significantly. With no commissioners in Goa, Jharkhand, Tripura, and Telangana, these bodies have been rendered non-functional.

The study, released by Satark Nagrik Sangathan, emphasizes that these commissions are critical appellate bodies responsible for adjudicating RTI complaints and appeals. Despite the provisions of the RTI Act, crucial positions remain vacant, affecting transparency and accountability in governance.

The backlog of RTI cases has reached staggering numbers, with over 4.05 lakh cases pending as of June 2024. The report points out the dual issues of vacancies and the slow rate of disposal by commissioners, urging for immediate action and reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)