SRINAGAR: Mathoora Masoom, the First Appellate Authority (FAA) Office Director of Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, has taken decisive action to promote transparency and accountability under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
She has suspended the Public Information Officer (PIO) of Municipal Committee Magam for not fulfilling their obligations as outlined in the RTI Act. In addition, Masoom has directed all other PIOs to provide the requested information within ten days.
The suspended PIO, responsible for handling RTI requests for the Municipal Committee Magam, neglected their duties by not responding to an RTI application filed in 2022. This violation underscores the importance of promptly addressing such lapses and safeguarding citizens’ right to access information.
Ms Mathoora Masoom promptly addressed the first appeal on 19 June 2023. Her swift action resulted in the suspension of the non-compliant PIO, sending a strong message that non-compliance with the RTI Act will not be tolerated. Recognizing the significance of timely responses to RTI applications, Ms Masoom has directed all other PIOs to provide the requested information within ten days.
Er Irfan Banka, the founder of the J&K RTI Foundation and the appellant in this case, expresses his sincere appreciation to Mathoora Masoom for her resolute dedication to ensuring timely responses to RTI requests and holding officials accountable.
The J&K RTI Foundation emphasizes the need for comprehensive training programs for PIOs across all government departments. It advocates for initiatives that enhance PIOs’ understanding of RTI regulations, empowering them to fulfill their duties effectively and provide timely responses to citizen inquiries. By promoting regular training, the Foundation aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Er Irfan Banka, stresses the urgency of raising awareness and enforcing RTI guidelines rigorously. He urges all public authorities to prioritize the timely processing and resolution of RTI requests, promoting transparency and building public trust in governance.
