Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Nov 07: Social Worker and RTI Activist, Mr Akshay Pant has claimed that various departments, which come under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration are openly violating the Rulings of Central Information Commission, RTI rules and also the orders of the High Court, while replying to questions asked under the RTI Act 2005.
Recently talking to Andaman Sheekha, Social Worker and RTI Activist Mr Akshay Pant said that the Andaman Nicobar Administration is openly making mockery of RTI Act.
He said that various departments that come under Andaman Administration like Social Welfare Board, Vigilance has made a habit of refusing to reply to RTI question.
He said that whatever question an RTI Activist asks, nowadays they just answer that the information is denied under section 81 (J) or 81 (H).
Mr Pant further said that as per the Rulings of Central Information Commission, RTI rules and also the orders of the High Court if information is denied by the department or whatsoever they have to specifically mention the reason that why the information is denied but it is the lack of knowledge of the Public Information Officer or reasons unknown, they never do that and harass RTI Activists. “Not only this, many departments also never reply the questions on time,” Mr Pant said.
“I request the administration to co-operate with the RTI activists as many corruption cases has come into light after the efforts of RTI Activists,” Mr Pant said.
Giving an example Mr Pant added that the manipulation of Rs One Crore Forty Seven Lakhs in the Social Welfare Department came into light only when he asked questions through RTI and now CBI is inquiring into that matter.
