Arunachal minister orders 48-hour RTI replies as state commission pushes full digital shift within two years

Arunachal Pradesh Law Minister Kento Jini has urged Public Information Officers (PIOs) to provide information within 48 hours instead of waiting for the 30-day period allowed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act

 

Speaking at the RTI Week Celebration 2025 in Itanagar, Jini said that proactive disclosure is vital to strengthening transparency and public trust in governance.

 

Governor KT Parnaik and the Law Minister jointly led the programme at the Dorjee Khandu Auditorium, Legislative Assembly Complex, where the Governor released the Annual Report of the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) and awarded winners of an essay competition. Over 140 newly inducted Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service officers, PIOs, and government officials attended the event.

 

Governor Parnaik called the RTI Act a “living expression of democracy,” stressing that it bridges the gap between citizens and the State. He urged everyone to renew their commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment as India advances toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

 

Chief Information Commissioner Major General Jarken Gamlin (Retd.) told India Today NE that the Commission is expanding its reach and digitising its operations.

 

“We have conducted workshops across ten districts and plan to make the entire system fully digital within two years,” he said. Gamlin announced the activation of a second courtroom to handle pending cases and the introduction of video conferencing for hearings, which he said has made the process more accessible for citizens. “Our next goal is a completely paperless RTI system,” he added.

 

Gamlin also urged citizens to use the RTI Act ethically. “This is a tool for the larger public interest, not for personal gain. Responsible use strengthens democracy,” he said.

 

State Information Commissioner Vijay Taram cautioned activists and applicants against filing excessive or repetitive RTI requests that burden the system. “RTI is not meant for private interests. Some individuals submit multiple applications on the same issues for years, affecting efficiency,” he said.

 

Taram reminded PIOs that ignorance of the law is no excuse and that the Commission holds quasi-judicial powers similar to a civil court. “If PIOs fail to comply, the Commission can recommend action under Section 20(2) and even write to the Chief Secretary,” he noted.

 

The Law Minister emphasised that PIOs are duty-bound to serve the public and respond promptly to information requests. He reminded officials that non-compliance can lead to penalties of up to ₹25,000. “PIOs are appointed to help the people, not delay them. Information should be shared within 48 hours whenever possible,” he said.

 

Technical and interactive sessions were also held as part of the RTI Week celebration, featuring discussions on ethical use of the Act, best practices from other states, and digital governance. Essay competition winners — Golom Alisha, Habu Yanga, and Yani Maling — were awarded for their contributions on the theme of transparency and citizen participation.

 

The event concluded with a collective call to reaffirm transparency, accountability, and public awareness — key pillars of the RTI movement since its enactment on October 12, 2005.