Srinagar, Feb 13 (KNS): Co-founding member of J&K RTI Foundation, Sajad Hussain has expressed his concerns about the handling of Right to Information (RTI) applications by the Directorate of Sheep Husbandry Kashmir.
In a statement, he alleged that officials are lacking knowledge of the provisions of the RTI Act and that they are misusing laws to harass the public and blame them for their own failures.
It reads he had recently filed an RTI application seeking information about the total number of Sheep Breeding Farms in Baramulla district, a list of employees who have not performed farm duties, details about traveling allowances released to employees, among other things.
It reads he was asked to visit the Sheep Husbandry office in Srinagar to sort out the information, but was not satisfied with the response. Despite filing a First Appeal with the Director of Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, the response remained the same.
"He suspects that the Public Information Officer (PIO) called him to his office either to harass him or to engage in illegal negotiations."
Meanwhile, he requested that disciplinary action be taken against the PIO and that the information sought be updated and uploaded on the district websites.
He emphasizes the importance of RTI in promoting transparency and accountability in government departments and calls for officials to be more aware of the provisions of the RTI Act.
He believes that by doing so, the public's trust in the government will increase, and government departments will become more accountable and efficient.(KNS)