GUWAHATI: RTI is one of the most potential redressal mechanism and people need to utilize the act not only for their individual reasons but also for broader social issues. This was stated by the Chief Information Commissioner of Assam Himangshu Shekhar Das at a daylong seminar cum workshop on the Right to Information (RTI) Act organized by Assam Information Commission at Guwahati on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering he reiterated on the need of RTI at every sphere of public life and its relevance in upholding the democratic principles of the nation. He also emphasized on the aspect of maintaining Record Manual by all the authorities empowered to provide information under the RTI. He said that every private organization is answerable to the public through their regulatory authorities. He dwelt on the fact that the number of women RTI petitioners is comparatively very less and expected more response in this regard from the women.
The seminar cum workshop was attended by senior journalist and Executive Editor of The Assam Tribune P.J. Baruah as the Chief Guest. In his speech, he cited many examples from the pages of history, which had laid the foundation of the said act. He was very satisfied at the participation of a host of educational institutions, including law colleges, in the seminar.
Eminent thinker and senior journalist D.N. Chakravartty was present in the seminar cum workshop as the Guest of Honour. He appealed to the citizens to utilize the RTI act as much as possible and not to feel hesitant to ask questions in any sphere.
The seminar cum workshop was attended by State Public Information Officers from a host of government departments, private organizations, RTI activists and students.
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