Srinagar, 30 May(KNS): In a statement issued by Naveed Bukhtiyar, youth Coordinator J&K RTI Movement ( led by Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool) said that government of J&K should devise a mechanism to take RTI applications online.

"Its true we are going through harsh phase but good governance cannot be a casualty in any condition, " Bukhtiyar said.

"Primarily under sec 4 of RTI Act it is the duty of government to declare certain information proactively but unfortunately due to Covid 19 there is huge information blockade," he said.

"Section 6 (1) of RTI Act 2005 expressly mentions that a electronic request can be made this law exists from 15 years but unfortunately till date no mechanism has been divised in J&K or any emails have been notified where information seekers can send request for information," he added.

"It is an appeal to every public authority, they should start taking RTI application online and give space to transparency and accountability during these times, " the statement reads.

Statement also mentions when courts are also working in virtual modes why cannot RTI application and responses transmitted from emails and WhatsApp. (KNS)