RTI Activists’ Association Hosts National Seminar on RTI Day

Experts Across India Discuss Transparency and Accountability at MNPS Auditorium

Key Points:

• National seminar on Right to Information held at MNPS Auditorium
• Speakers highlight RTI’s power to ensure transparency and accountability
• Experts urge citizens to use RTI as a weapon against corruption

JAMSHEDPUR – The RTI Activists’ Association organized a national seminar on the occasion of RTI Day at the MNPS Auditorium on Sunday, focusing on transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment.

The event was jointly hosted by the RTI Activists’ Association and the Jharkhand Human Rights Association. Speaking on the theme “Empowering Citizens, Promoting Accountability and Transparency,” Professor Dr. P.K. Pani, Vice-Chancellor of Netaji Subhas University, said the Right to Information empowers citizens to question the government and ensures accountability in administration.

However, he reminded that the legal foundation of RTI was laid in 1976 during the Raj Narain vs Government of India case in the Allahabad High Court. “If replies are delayed beyond the timeline, the concerned officer can face penalties,” he added. He clarified that any information accessible to Parliament falls within the RTI ambit.

Meanwhile, Delhi-based advocate Hawa Singh Tanwar, the keynote speaker, said Sweden was the first country to enact the Right to Information law in 1766. He emphasized that RTI should not be used for personal interests but as a tool to ensure administrative responsibility. “Governments change, but administration remains. RTI strengthens democracy, not politics,” he remarked.

In addition, Dr. Chandrashekhar Dutta from West Bengal stated, “Even if a teacher arrives late to class, it is a form of corruption.” He urged everyone to use RTI as an effective weapon against malpractice and alleged that several state governments are weakening information commissions.

Other speakers included Dr. Bijay Kumar Piyush (Principal, MBM College), Manoj Singh, Dhananjay Shukla, D.P. Shukla, R.K. Sharma, and Chedi Kumar. Distinguished guests included Dr. Amar Singh (Principal, Jamshedpur Cooperative College), Dr. Ashok Kumar Jha (Principal, LBSM College), and Dr. Saroj Kevart (Principal, Singhbhum College, Chandil).

The program was chaired by RTI Activists’ Association Central President Dil Bahadur. The welcome address was delivered by Vice President Purbi Ghosh. Earlier, the association’s annual report was presented by General Secretary Kritivas Mandal and Jharkhand Human Rights Association’s report by President Dinesh Kumar Kinu.