Channal said the commission cleared about 40,000 duplicate appeal cases last year, marking significant progress and achievement
Belagavi
State Information Commissioner Prakash Narayan Channal of the Karnataka Information Commission’s Belagavi Bench said that the Right to Information (RTI) Act is a strong pillar of democracy and a powerful tool for citizens.
Speaking at an official event, he said the RTI Act, which came into force on October 12, 2005, was introduced to make government information easily accessible to the public. He noted that Karnataka was the first state in the country to implement this law.
Channal highlighted that the commission has made significant progress in handling cases. In the past year alone, about 40,000 duplicate appeal cases have been cleared, which is considered a major achievement.
He said that around 40 to 60 cases are being heard daily through both online and offline modes at the Belagavi Bench. Special attention is being given to applications from rural areas, especially those related to basic issues like drinking water, roads, electricity, sanitation, and health services.
The commissioner also stated that strict action is being taken against officials who fail to provide information. This includes disciplinary measures, fines, and compensation orders based on inquiry reports.
Due to the increasing number of applications, the commission has planned to dispose of around 6,000 to 7,000 cases every year. Efforts will also be made to handle cases district-wise for faster resolution.
Officials said the initiative will improve transparency and ensure timely justice for citizens.