’Right to Information’ workshop inaugurated in city

Mangalore Today

Mangalore, Dec.7 : A two-day Mysore divisional  level  workshop on "Right to  Information" organized by Karnataka State Information Department was inaugurated on December  7, Monday, at Kalangann, Shakthinagar, Mangalore, by Dr H N Krishna, Commissioner, Karnataka State Information Commission.

 

 

 

In his inaugural address, Dr Krishna opined that  India got freedom in the real sense only on October 12, 2005  when the Right to  Information Act was approved. The enforcement of this Act also went a long way in  helping the general public more so because  the Act made the government staff more cooperative with the public, he added.This Act gave the common man the right and freedom to enquire and know about the government works, also people can question the government and demand for the facilities provided by the government, Dr Krishna informed. Moreover any delay in providing information by the government also makes them liable for penalty, he further added.

 

This, Dr Krishna said was the only Act which did not invite media criticism, while none opposed it in the Parliament.Though the aim of the government was to reach this Act to everyone, so far  it has not reached the public to the desired extent. Stating that media and advocates are the mediators of society who  can seek information from  the public representatives and officers, he however regretted that they had not done that.

Dr Subrahmanyeshwara Rao, District Superintendent of Police, was the chief guest on the occasion. NR Vishu Kumar, Director, Information Department, Bangalore gave the key note address, A R Prakash, Assistant  Director, Information  Department, Bangalore welcomed the gathering and K Rohini, Senior Assistant Director, Information Department, Mangalore proposed the vote of thanks.