Wangsu inaugurates central vaccine depot and disease investigation lab
Earthquake Disaster mock exercise held in West Kameng
Anini, Feb 25: An awareness session on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was held at Anini, Dibang Valley today by State Chief Information Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Jarken Gamlin (Retd.), along with his team.
The programme witnessed the presence and active participation of Sadhu Mihu, Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Dibang Valley; Eta Mihu, ZPM, Dri; Emmi Yalla, ZPM, Anelih Arzoo; Jally Umpo, ADC, Dibang Valley; Heads of Departments (HoDs); all Circle Officers; PRI members; Public Information Officers (PIOs); and members of the public.
During the programme, Kopey Thalley, State Information Commissioner, spoke on important decisions/judgements of the Supreme Court and highlighted the key provisions and important sections of the RTI Act, 2005. He elaborated on practical issues encountered in the implementation of the Act and guided the participants on its effective and lawful application, while emphasizing proactive disclosure to enhance transparency and reduce unnecessary litigation.
Odi Menjo, PA to the State Chief Information Commissioner, spoke on the procedural framework of the RTI Act, 2005, including filing of applications, appeals, statutory timelines, and compliance requirements. He also clarified common doubts raised by the participants.
Addressing the gathering, the State Chief Information Commissioner, delivered an insightful keynote address and made a comprehensive summation of the presentations. He advised Public Information Officers (PIOs) and public authorities to strictly abide by the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005 to avoid penalties and disciplinary consequences under the statute. He further emphasized transparency, accountability, and timely disposal of RTI applications as essential components of good governance.
Maj. Gen. Jarken Gamlin (Retd.), also advised information seekers to exercise their rights responsibly and ethically under the RTI framework, cautioning against misuse of the Act. Referring to instances in certain states such as Assam and Gujarat, Maj. Gen. Jarken Gamlin, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd.), noted that misuse has led to strict measures, including blacklisting of habitual applicants, and urged citizens to use the Act in a constructive and lawful manner.
The session was highly interactive, with active engagement from all participants. Several queries were raised and addressed comprehensively, making the programme informative, practical, and meaningful. The event reflected the administration’s commitment to promoting transparency and strengthening good governance.