UP RTI Rules 2015 show disrespect to Urdu
Neha Shukla | TNN | Jan 7, 2016, 06.36 PM IST
LUCKNOW: RTI activists in UP are up in arms against the Uttar Pradesh Right to Information Rules, 2015 framed by the UP government to better implementation of the RTI Act in the state.
Activists on Thursday submitted a memorandum to UP governor Ram Naik against the new rules issued by the Administration Reforms Department, nodal department for implementation of RTI Act in UP, on December 3.
Activists are of the opinion that new rules contradict the very nature and spirit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. While the RTI Act allows an applicant to keep his identity hidden while seeking information, UP RTI rules say the state information commission (SIC) will issue summons to the applicant to appear in the commission.
As per the UP RTI rules 2015, proceedings pending before the commission on any complaint or appeal will abate on the death of the complainant or appellant, as the case may be. "This will encourage crime against RTI seekers. Those against whom RTI is sought will try to harm information seekers knowing their death will get the case closed," said activist Urvashi Sharma.
The new rules allow applicant or any party to the proceeding to seek adjournment of hearing and Chief Information Commissioner may grant the same if it is just and sufficient. Activists opposed the provision saying a public information officer (PIO) can get the date of hearing deferred using the provision.
While the proceedings of the commission will be conducted in Hindi, a complaint or appeal can be filed in either Hindi or English, say the UP RTI rules. In case of complaint or appeal filed in some other language, a certified authenticated translation in Hindi or English will have to be filed along with the original document.
"This is disrespect towards Urdu," said Sharma. RTI activists of the state are seeking support from activists in other states on the issue. "We have been called by the Governor on January 11. We will file a PIL if the new rules are not revoked," she said.
Activists on Thursday submitted a memorandum to UP governor Ram Naik against the new rules issued by the Administration Reforms Department, nodal department for implementation of RTI Act in UP, on December 3.
Activists are of the opinion that new rules contradict the very nature and spirit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. While the RTI Act allows an applicant to keep his identity hidden while seeking information, UP RTI rules say the state information commission (SIC) will issue summons to the applicant to appear in the commission.
As per the UP RTI rules 2015, proceedings pending before the commission on any complaint or appeal will abate on the death of the complainant or appellant, as the case may be. "This will encourage crime against RTI seekers. Those against whom RTI is sought will try to harm information seekers knowing their death will get the case closed," said activist Urvashi Sharma.
The new rules allow applicant or any party to the proceeding to seek adjournment of hearing and Chief Information Commissioner may grant the same if it is just and sufficient. Activists opposed the provision saying a public information officer (PIO) can get the date of hearing deferred using the provision.
While the proceedings of the commission will be conducted in Hindi, a complaint or appeal can be filed in either Hindi or English, say the UP RTI rules. In case of complaint or appeal filed in some other language, a certified authenticated translation in Hindi or English will have to be filed along with the original document.
"This is disrespect towards Urdu," said Sharma. RTI activists of the state are seeking support from activists in other states on the issue. "We have been called by the Governor on January 11. We will file a PIL if the new rules are not revoked," she said.
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Posted by: urvashi sharma <rtimahilamanchup@yahoo.co.in>
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