RTI, PSGA training in Budgam: DC Office says no record available post Article 370 abrogation

SRINAGAR Feb 23: The Deputy Commissioner Officer Budgam has made an unconvincing revelation with regard to training of Government officials on Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI) and JK Public Services Guarantee Act 2011 (PSGA) post 370 abrogation, J&K RTI Movement today said.

In a written reply, the Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) who is also the designated Public Information Officer (PIO) under RTI Act 20005 has told an information seeker that the information related to holding of training programmes on RTI for Govt officials and disadvantaged communities is not available in the repository of his office.

Information seeker Dr Raja Muzaffar had sought some details from the office of Deputy Commissioner Budgam related to awareness programmes on RTI & PSGA. The applicant vide his RTI application dated 18.01.2021 asked DC office Budgam about the number of awareness/ training programmes on RTI Act 2005 and JK Public Services Guarantee(PSGA) held for the designated officers of Budgam post article 370 abrogation with effect from Nov 1^st 2019 to Jan 15^th 2021 (both physically and virtually).

Information seeker had sought names / designation of participant officers as well. In addition, RTI applicant sought details of training programmes held under RTI & PSGA for general people especially the disadvantaged communities as mandated under section 26 of RTI Act 2005 w.e.f Nov 1^st 2019 to Jan `15^th 2021.

“ By saying information is not available in the repository of the DC Office is simply a ridiculous answer. I am not asking about an event which was held 20 or 30 year back. I am asking for updates from Nov 2019 onwards. Not a single officer or citizen has actually been trained on the provisions of RTI Act 2005 in Budgam during the last 1 to 2 years. The new RTI law is applicable in J&K wef Oct 31^st 2019. The PSGA is also dying its own death. I am not only cornering DC office Budgam but all the DC’s , HoD’s and even Administrative Secretaries have also not held any awareness programme on RTI physically or through virtual mode from November 2019 till date. ” said Dr Raja Muzaffar.