Empowering communities to exercise right to access information from J&amp;K govt bodies

Empowering communities to exercise right to access information from J&K govt bodies

J&K RTI Foundation note on RTI Pend's third event successfully held in Magam:

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September 25, 2023 marked another significant milestone for RTI Pend as it successfully conducted its third event at the J&K RTI Foundation office in Magam. The event, which saw enthusiastic participation, was dedicated to spreading awareness about the Right to Information (RTI) Act, empowering individuals to exercise their right to access information from government bodies.
The event featured Mr. Karar Reshi, the District Coordinator of Baramulla District for J&K RTI Foundation, as the esteemed guest. The discussion, hosted by Mr. Irfan Banka, an anthropologist and the driving force behind RTI Pend, was engaging and insightful.
One of the highlights of the informal discussion was the exploration of Section 26 of the Central RTI Act, which delineates the government's responsibility for the implementation of the RTI Act. Participants delved into the significance of the RTI Act, its profound impact on communities, and its potential to empower the youth by providing them with a valuable tool for transparency and accountability. The delay in hearing second appeals at the Central information Commission was noted as a major concern which discourages people filing RTI Applications in J&K.
Mr. Karar Reshi, in his address, passionately encouraged the youth to harness the power of RTI and become active agents of change in their communities. He emphasized the importance of accessing information to drive positive transformations.
Mr. Irfan Banka reiterated the need for the government to conduct RTI awareness programs and announced RTI Pend's commitment to hosting weekly events every Sunday from 10 AM to 11 AM. He extended an open invitation to the youth to reach out to J&K RTI Foundation and collaborate on organizing RTI awareness programs in their villages and towns.
RTI Pend firmly believes that RTI empowers every citizen of India and is committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.
Besides offline participation, the event was also live-streamed on Facebook and Zoom, providing a wider audience with valuable insights on the RTI Act.

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