Jalandhar, December 23
Wastage of power owing to misuse of streetlights, distribution of sweetmeats during Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations, suspect handling of funds by various government departments were some of the questions raised at a seminar held here today.
The platform was of an NGO, Pulangh, and the local Desh Bhagat Yadgar Committee. The seminar was about creating awareness about the Right to Information Act, 2005.
While the seminar succeeded in adding information and insights about the Act to a gathering of 200 concerned citizens, the response to some queries of participants by the presidium members didn’t go beyond cliches.
Terming the promulgation of the Act a watershed in the history of Indian democracy, Commissioner, Punjab Information Commission, R.K. Gupta, who was the chief guest, said: “It is a tool not only to clear the air of mystery surrounding the functioning of the official machinery but also an effective means to check corruption”.
Underlining the efficacy of the Act, he said it was among the very few laws prevalent in the country that elicited results in a time-bound fashion.
While litigation took years, the Act provided for dissemination of information within a 30-day period, thus an effective substitute to judiciary, he opined.
He stressed that effective awareness could only be created when NGOs and other agencies stepped forward and took it up at the grass roots.
He also touched upon the aspects of preparation and filing of applications and punitive provisions under the Act to deal with erring officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner A. Venu Prasad said the Act made officials conscious of their actions and hence helped them act in a responsible manner.
He added that a single-window system was available at suvidha centres in each district to deal with the applications.
Earlier, Desh Sevak Editor Shameel talked about the political significance vis-a-vis the Act and the role of the media in its effective implementation.
Senior journalist Hamir Singh stressed the need for educating people at the grass roots. Power could only sustain if people’s participation was encouraged and the Act was a step toward that direction, he said.
Desh Bhagat Yadgar Committee trustee Rajeshwar Singh appreciated Pulangh for its effort and extended his committee’s hand to further the cause.
Pulangh president S.S. Gill also shared his views on the issue.
Later, members of the audience posed their queries to the Mr Gupta.
The seminar was conducted by Rajeev Bhaskar, while the vote of thanks was presented by Pulangh spokesperson Devinder Pal.
