Intro: The Commission resolved thousands of pending RTI appeals from February 2025 to January 2026
BENGALURU
The Karnataka Information Commission has disposed of 36,474 appeals between February 2025 and January 2026, marking a significant improvement in addressing Right to Information (RTI) applications. During the same period, it imposed fines totaling Rs 45.29 lakh on 241 Public Information Officers (PIOs) for failing to provide information on time or for not appearing before the Commission.
As of February 2025, 69,471 applications were pending. Following this year’s disposals, 32,997 second appeal applications remain pending, said Chief Information Commissioner K. Raman. The improved clearance rate has been attributed to a training workshop on the RTI Act conducted for district-level PIOs and First Appellate Authorities across 23 districts. The training enhanced compliance, with 85–90 percent of officers now providing information and attending hearings.
The Karnataka Milk Federation and Electronic City Industrial Township Authority have been formally declared public authorities, ensuring they respond to RTI requests.
The Commission has also recommended that RTI-related topics be included in government recruitments, promotion exams, and educational curricula. Additionally, it has suggested discussing RTI application disposal during district and taluk-level KDP meetings.
Departments with the highest pending second appeals include Rural Development (11,195), Water Resources (10,473), Revenue (5,384), and Urban Development (4,336). District-wise, Bengaluru City leads with 6,361 pending appeals, followed by Belgaum (3,388), Raichur (2,123), Bagalkot (1,999), and Vijayapura (1,951). Other districts include Kolar (1,605), Dharwad (1,483), Kalaburagi (1,337), Haveri (1,033), and Tumakuru (991).
The Commission’s actions aim to strengthen transparency, ensure timely information delivery, and encourage accountability among public authorities across Karnataka.