Govt. asks departments to set up RTI cells before July end

To streamline disposal of applications and bring in more transparency, the Central government has directed all ministries, departments and public sector units to set up an exclusive “RTI cell”.

It has decided to give a one time grant of up to Rs. 50,000 for developing necessary infrastructure and purchasing equipment like computers for speedy disposal of pleas under the Right to Information Act.

“Experience of past five years has shown that there is a need to expand the scope of the Central Point so as to deal with the RTI related issues effectively,” a circular issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.

“It is recommended that Ministries/Departments may set up RTI Cells to streamline the receipt and disposal of RTI applications...Ministries/Departments may also avail of a one-time grant of up to Rs. 50,000 for procuring a computer along with a printer and scanner facility for RTI Cells under the Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme ‘improving transparency and accountability through effective Implementation of RTI’ being implemented by this department,” it said.

Government has set a deadline of July 31 for setting up of RTI cell.

Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information.