Jammu, Feb 03 (KNS): One day awareness-cum-interaction programme on the Right to Information Act was organized at Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur for the Public Information Officers (PIOs) and the first appellant authorities of J&K Police.
The programme was organized under the aegis of J&K State Information Commission on the personal initiative and drive of the Chief Information Commissioner, State Information Commission Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, IAS(Rtd)
In his key note address Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, IAS (Retd.) paid his gratitude to Dr. S.P Vaid Director General of Police, J&K and M.Sulaiman Salaria, ADGP, Director SKPAU for organizing the programme on such a large scale involving all the units and wings of the J&K Police. Around 150 PIOs and first appellant authorities (Officers) including district SsP and Commandants participated in the programme. Besides this, a large number of senior police officers including district SsP and Commandants attended the programme.
In his power point presentation the Chief Information Commissioner, while highlighting the role and the responsibilities of the PIOs said that this act has been passed to bring in more transparency and accountability in the Government functioning at different levels. He impressed upon the officers that the PIO must have the knowledge of the law and bring in an attitudinal change in the working so that the information flow to the information seeker is hassle free.
In his presentation Mohd. Ashraf Mir, Information Commissioner, State Information Commission highlighted the different hazards and the problems facts by the PIOs while finalizing replies.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWhile referring to low level of awareness regarding the Act among the government functionaries Mir said that more and more seminars and programmes need to be held so that more awareness regarding act is generated and the act is to an effective use.
Earlier in his welcome address M. Sulaiman Salaria, Director SKPAU thanked the Chief Information Commissioner and the Director General of Police for providing an opportunity to his institute for organizing the awareness programme for the police officers. He hoped that the programme will go a long way in imparting the knowledge and understanding the spirit and mandate of the RTI Act and will also clear all doubts to PIOs regarding spirit and correct interpretation of the mandate and provisions of the RTI Act. This will help them in implementation of the provisions of the Act in true spirit while discharging their functions as PIOs shall bring transparency, fair play and justice in the administrative action by the public authorities and shall bring the redressal of the grievances of the general public, he added.
A lively interaction session was held which lasted for about one hour in which many doubts regarding implementation of the RTI Act and role of PIOs were cleared by the CIC and the true spirit and mandate of the provisions of the Act were discussed threadbare.
Vote of thanks was presented by Kamal Sharma, CPO SKPA Udhampur. (KNS)