Now, file applications under RTI Act online

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 20

Himachal will become the first state in the country to start the online submission of queries and replies under the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005, by launching a portal on Saturday on the occasion of Civil Service Day.

The portal will save applicants from making rounds of government offices for filing applications and questions.

It will link a total of 97 public authorities in various government departments, including boards and corporations.

As per data, close to 50,000 applications are filed every year, seeking information under the RTI Act. Subsequently, as many as 700 appeals are filed under the RTI Act. Besides, seven other portals will be launched by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday.

“All 97 public authorities and their Public Information Officers will be linked with the portal. There is a good response to the RTI Act in Himachal as about 50,000 applications are being filed annually,” said Purnima Chauhan, Secretary, Administrative Reforms.

The theme for the Civil Service Day is “New India-Shaping the Future”. Chauhan said the endeavour was to remain committed to serving the citizens and providing better public services. Besides the RTI portal, seven other portals would also be launched.