Civic body faces heat over incomplete RTI info

The Punjab State Information Commission has pulled up the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, for failing to provide complete information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, directing officials to furnish remaining details or submit a formal undertaking if records are unavailable.

The order, issued by State Information Commissioner Harpreet Singh Sandhu follows a complaint by Sat Pall Sharma, a resident of Haibowal Kalan, who alleged that the civic body had shared only partial information in response to his RTI application regarding ‘Punjab Nirman’ programme.

“I’ve been pursuing the same for months. Citizens have the right to know how public funds are used and incomplete replies defeat the purpose of transparency,” Sharma said.

The commission has also instructed the Public Information Officer (PIO) to either provide the remaining information or file an undertaking confirming its non-availability. A copy of the same must be sent to both appellant and the commission. In case of non-compliance, the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, has been directed to appear in person in the next hearing.

The matter has been adjourned to January 15, 2026, with a follow-up date of January 21 for further proceedings.

“RTI is a tool for citizens to hold institutions accountable. When departments dodge questions or delay responses, it signals deeper issues in record-keeping and intent,” said Jaspreet Kaur, a local advocate.