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Right to information (RTI Act 2005) Nagaland- Is it in sync with Digital and One India.
We started researching on Right to information (RTI 2005) systems in India starting with Center then going to every state.
We got a citizen of India file an RTI with Chief Information Commission of Manipur
To the chief Information Commissioner.
Please provide me with below information.
1. Does your state have a web portal supporting the spirit of Right to Information Act. Similar and at least providing the same functionality as https://RTIOnline.gov.in where
- Any Citizen of India can go online and file RTI appeal to Information Commission or any of the administrative unit's SPIOs electronically and get an RTI tracking ticket similar to RTIOnline.gov.in.
- Pay the prescribed fee online using Net Banking, Credit Cards.
- Track the status online and get the response on the online portal electronically.
- File First and Second appeal in case RTI response is not satisfactory electronically using the same portal.
2. If answer to query #1 is Yes for all the points, please provide the web portal name.
3. If Answer to all or any of the Query #1 is No.
a).Please provide details on why even after 10 years of RTI Act in place and after multiple years of RTIOnline.gov.in online and working as a benchmark developed by NIC for central government ministries (NIC or similar agencies manages all your state web portals as well) your state is not able to provide this service.
b.) If you have already planned for a similar or better service than RTIOnline.gov.in to serve RTI needs for your state please provide the expected time frame when Citizens of India can start using it.
The Above RTI is for public purpose.
Response
Below is the timely and very positive response that we got:
" I am directed to refer to your RTI application No NIL dated 13/06/2015 and to furnish
herewith the information sought as below-
1. No. (Answer to whether the state RTI system is currently online)
2. Does not arise. (Answer to - what is the name of such online portal, if available?)
3. No.
a. As per Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of
Personnel & Training, Govt. of India OM No. 1/7/2009-IR dated 1st June
2009, the reply cannot be given. (Copy Enclosed).
b. A project titled e-district (Mission Mode Project) is being taken up by the
Department of Information Technology & Communication. Govt. of Nagaland
to provide e-services including online filing & tracking of RTI applications,
appeals & Complaints. "
Below are some of our observations on this RTI response :
1 . The response was fast (around 3 weeks) The explanations given were to the point, and with references (except the last point) No vague answers or diversions , something we have received aplenty in replies from other state RTI's.
3. Though the information was provided quickly , the fact of the matter is that Nagaland still doesn't have an Online portal for RTI filing and tracking. This is resulting in loss of manual efforts, paperwork and actual monetary loss on public exchequer.
The response explains about the welcome step of state's initiative of e-district project , but we are not given any rough timelines as to when the RTI system will go online. (Despite asking specifically for it) We will be following up on this point soon.
Though the PIO , Nagaland provided an excellent response in the spirit of the RTI Act (Something which we would like to see from all other state's PIO's ) we believe there is still some effort left on the state's part to make online RTI process a reality .
Reasons we are working towards fixing this issue:-
The details are in this thread. but briefly.
- A manual effort is a big barrier for a common man to seek information on any in-efficiency, corruption, violation in his/her community.
- Apart from being a barrier, it in-efficient wasting a lot of time of information giving agency and seeker.
- There are plenty of loopholes which can be used to suppress, deflect or deny the information.
-Its error prone and any redress, since tedious is pushing citizens in a state of defeated apathy.
-Digitizing the effort will not only make the process seamless but open opportunities to improve the process and streamline the feedback loop.
- Will minimize misuse from the information giver and seeker.
- Save taxpayers some scarce money.
- An informed citizen would be less prone to propaganda machinery and an active collaboration will bring down cost to development.
Our Aim -
Is to bring efficiency, accountability and transparency in the state RTI system by having all the states on board rti.gov.in or a similar platform working with efficiency similar to existing service by central government.
Status -
The research on the status of RTI for Manipur is complete and till the date (September 2016) there is no online, consistent facility to file an Right to Information to the state of Manipur.
Future course of action -
To carry this effort forward we are looking for coordinators in Manipur, who can work towards a transparent state of Manipur with our team.
Who can be a coordinator -
Any one with a zeal to improve communities using a non confrontational approach, ready to collaborate with multiple entities and is systematic and patient. A working professional, An activist, A politician, researcher, a housewife, a student. All he/she needs is an inclination for scientific ways, curious, respect and honor, and of course a few hours a week.
Are Coordinators Funded for their efforts?
Yes. BallotBoxIndia is about bringing back the culture of detailed deliberations and research. We follow a tedious systematic approach and are actions and output based. To sustain such efforts the time and efforts spent has to be valued and incentivized.
I can't add value for this particular effort but been active for common good or want to work for better communities ?
Send in your details to innovators@ballotboxindia.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Thanks
Team @BallotboxIndia
