Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Jan 15 :
The Public Works (R&B) Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued fresh directions to ensure strict implementation of the Online RTI Portal across the Union Territory, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency in handling Right to Information (RTI) applications.
A Circular as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the Online RTI Portal rolled out by the General Administration Department and operational since December 10, 2024—is accessible at rtionline.jk.gov.in and is intended to maintain a comprehensive database of all RTI applications and appeals received by Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs).
The department stated that the portal enables citizens to submit RTI applications online, track their status, and receive responses electronically, eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices.
However, it has been observed that several CPIOs are not uploading RTI applications received through offline modes such as CRU, speed post, or by hand, resulting in inconvenience to applicants and inaccuracies in the RTI database, which is crucial for filing statutory RTI returns.
In view of this, all CPIOs in the Public Works (R&B) Department, including those in subordinate offices, have been directed to mandatorily upload all offline RTI applications on the Online RTI Portal using their respective logins. This will allow applicants to track their requests using IPO numbers or postal consignment details.
The circular further directs nominated Nodal Officers at the Public Authority level to regularly monitor compliance with these instructions to ensure proper implementation of the RTI Act, 2005 and related rules. —(KNC).