People should not shy away from coming forward to know the truth and making sure that public money is being utilized properly, said Manipur Information Commission (MIC) state information commissioner Oinam Sunil.
TFM Desk
Right to Information Act 2005, is pro-people and is a tool to fight the menace of corruption, and each citizen should use this Act to eradicate corruption from the society.
This was stated by Manipur Information Commission (MIC) state information commissioner Oinam Sunil while speaking as the chief guest of the District Level Workshop cum closing ceremony of the Right to Information Week Celebration – 2020 held at Wakhong Community Hall, Uyumpok in Imphal East district on Monday.
“We want to double the cases received by the MIC and for that we come here at Uyumpok to create awareness about the Right to Information Act”, Sunil added.
He further said that any information about what has been happening in any government offices or public institutions can be known through RTI.
“There are however some limitation like matters related to internal and external security or for the integrity of the nation that cannot be acquired”, Sunil said and added that even though the state Home Department is exempted from the purview of the act, certain issues in connection with corruption or human rights violation can be obtained through RTI.
The Manipur Information Commission has so far fined over Rs 1,00,000 for failure to provide information sought by individuals, Sunil informed.
Right to information week is conducted during the month of October and November but due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was delayed.
Oinam Sunil said that people have every right to know about the expenditure of any project undertaken by the government. People should not shy away from coming forward to know the truth and making sure that public money is being utilized properly, he added.
Ch Narendra, a learned advocate and also a teacher of law, who spoke on the occasion as resource person elaborated on the RTI.
The function was also attended by senior citizen Th Ibotombi Singh as guest of honour while Uyumpok Gram Panchayat pradhan Th Inaocha Singh presided over the function.
On the occasion prizes for the painting competition organized by the MIC in collaboration with the Fine Arts department of the Manipur University were also distributed.