Tag: RTI

“Na Bataunga Na Batane Doonga” Information Missing for Many Years from Modi Government’s RTI Portal

In a frightening disclosure, it has become exposed that the expression “Na Bataunga Na Batane Doonga,” which was many times utilized by State head Narendra Modi during his residency, has been obviously missing from the Right to Data (RTI) entryway of the Indian government for a long time. This disclosure has brought up issues about straightforwardness and admittance to government data.
The RTI Act, passed in 2005, was a critical stage towards advancing straightforwardness and responsibility in the working of the Indian government. It permits residents to look for data from government offices and services. In any case, it appears to be that the Modi government’s expression has been taken straightforwardly in certain occurrences, with this expression missing from the RTI gateway.
Amit Kumar, a social extremist and RTI fan, was quick to see the shortfall of the expression while documenting a RTI demand connected with government consumptions on framework projects. Kumar communicated his astonishment, saying, “The ‘Na Bataunga Na Batane Doonga’ express became inseparable from the Modi government’s correspondence style. Ironicly when residents are attempting to look for data utilizing the very instrument the public authority gives, this expression is absent.”
Government authorities rushed to answer what is happening. A representative from the Service of Data and Broadcasting, Anjali Sharma, expressed, “The shortfall of the expression ‘Na Bataunga Na Batane Doonga’ from the RTI entryway isn’t purposeful. It has all the earmarks of being a specialized error in the framework. We are effectively attempting to determine this issue and guarantee that the RTI entrance is in accordance with the public authority’s obligation to straightforwardness.”
Specialists in administration and straightforwardness, in any case, are raising worries about the bigger issue of straightforwardness in government working. Dr. Rajesh Verma, a political expert, remarked, “While the missing expression from the RTI gateway may be a specialized blunder, it features the more extensive issue of straightforwardness. It’s fundamental that the public authority gives data when asked as well as proactively shares data with general society.”
The shortfall of the expression has started conversations via online entertainment and among the resistance groups. Resistance pioneer Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “In the event that the public authority doesn’t joke around about straightforwardness, it shouldn’t simply fix the error yet in addition reexamine its obligation to open administration.”
This disclosure comes when the public authority has been underlining computerized administration and e-administration drives. It brings up issues about the viability of these drives when a straightforward expression, firmly connected with the public authority, is absent from a urgent entrance like RTI.
As the public authority attempts to determine this issue, residents and activists keep on focusing on the significance of straightforwardness and responsibility in the working of public workplaces. The shortfall of the “Na Bataunga Na Batane Doonga” expression from the RTI entry fills in as a sign of the continuous difficulties in accomplishing genuine straightforwardness in government tasks.
It is not yet clear the way in which rapidly the public authority can correct this specialized error and guarantee residents that it stays focused on the standards of receptiveness and availability in administration.

August 25, 2023

NHAI Reveals 3 Highways Built in 9 Years in Nagpur, Constituency of Minister Gadkari: RTI

NAGPUR, August 20, 2023 (The News Caravan) – The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has responded to a recent Right to Information (RTI) request, providing detailed insights into the construction and financial aspects of highways within the Nagpur constituency. The disclosure sheds light on the infrastructural development undertaken over the past nine years.

In a letter dated July 6, 2023, NHAI addressed the online RTI application submitted by Shri Ajay Basudev Bose, an RTI activist, inquiring about the statistics and costs associated with highways constructed between June 1, 2014, and July 1, 2023. The information was sought under the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.

RTI reports Attached Below 👇

The response, addressed by the Public Information Officer GM (Tech.) & Project Director, included an annexure outlining three key projects completed within the Nagpur constituency. These projects are significant contributors to the region’s infrastructure growth and development. The details provided in the response are as follows:

Sl. No.	Name of Work	Distance (km)	Construction Cost (INR Crores)
1	4 Laning of Saoner Dhapewada – Kalmeshwar Gondkhiani	28.875	480.06
2	4 Laning of Nagpur-Umred section (NH-353D)	41.100	418.41
3	Four Laning of Nagpur-Wainganga Section of NH-6	45.43	427.71

The provided data sheds light on the efforts made by NHAI to enhance the road infrastructure in Nagpur. These projects signify the commitment to strengthening connectivity and improving transportation within the constituency. The disclosed costs underline the financial investment required to execute such substantial infrastructural upgrades.

Also Check Out:

RTI Exposes Alarming Discrepancy: Rs. 17.33 Crores vs. Rs. 26.79 Crores – Shocking Contrast in Highway Construction Costs Across India [Exclusive Report]

Interestingly, the response indicates that over the past nine years, these three highway projects were the only ones executed within the Nagpur constituency, which is also the Lok Sabha constituency of Mr. Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways. This information comes against the backdrop of increasing emphasis on infrastructure development across the nation.

Ajay Bose, the RTI activist who submitted the inquiry, expressed his findings with clarity. “RTI reply received from NHAI reveals only 3 Highways Constructed in the last 9 years in Nagpur which is Lok Sabha Constituency of Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari,” Bose stated.

The disclosure from NHAI provides valuable insights into the infrastructural progress made in the Nagpur constituency under the stewardship of Mr. Nitin Gadkari. These highway projects play a pivotal role in enhancing transportation, connectivity, and overall regional development.

For further information or clarification, individuals have the option to appeal to the Regional Officer, Nagpur, who serves as the Appellate Authority in the matter.

August 20, 2023

RTI Exposes Alarming Discrepancy: Rs. 17.33 Crores vs. Rs. 26.79 Crores – Shocking Contrast in Highway Construction Costs Across India [Exclusive Report]
July 19, 2023
Exclusive report by The News Caravan
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The RTI Revelation: Uncovering the Startling Discrepancy
In a recent development, a Right to Information (RTI) application has shed light on a significant difference in the cost of highway construction between different regions of India. The application, filed by Mr. Ajay Basudev Bose, a prominent RTI activist, has exposed a substantial variance in construction expenses for highways in two major regions – Mumbai and Ludhiana.
Two Regions, Two Costs: Rs. 17.33 Crores vs. Rs. 26.79 Crores per Kilometer
According to the RTI replies received from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the cost of constructing one kilometer of highway in the Mumbai region stands at approximately Rs. 17.33 Crores. In stark contrast, the cost of constructing the same length of highway in Ludhiana amounts to a staggering Rs. 26.79 Crores.
RTI REPORT 1ST
RTI REPORT 2ND is uploaded below :

The statistics provided by NHAI under the RTI Act showcase the expenditure incurred by the authority from June 1, 2014, to July 1, 2023. The information outlines a considerable variation in construction expenses for highways in different parts of the country during this period.
Mr. Ajay Basudev Bose, the RTI activist responsible for obtaining and sharing this information, expressed deep concern over the noticeable cost disparity. He further raised questions about the reasons behind such a huge difference in construction expenses for highways between the two regions.
“It is disconcerting to observe such a significant contrast in construction costs for highways in Mumbai and Ludhiana,” Mr. Bose remarked. “As an RTI activist, it is my duty to bring such discrepancies to the public’s attention and seek accountability from the concerned authorities.”
Seeking Transparency: Citizens and Experts Demand Answers
The matter has gained attention from various quarters, with experts and citizens alike expressing curiosity and concern over the potential factors contributing to the observed cost variations. Many have emphasized the need for greater transparency in the allocation and utilization of funds in infrastructure projects to ensure equitable development across regions.
Potential Factors at Play: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Contrast
It is important to note that the difference in construction costs may stem from various factors, including terrain conditions, land acquisition expenses, material costs, and project complexities. However, the disparity in expenditure per kilometer has raised eyebrows and warrants a thorough investigation to address any potential irregularities.
Awaiting Official Responses: Ministry’s Role in Resolving the Issue
The NHAI, responsible for highway construction and maintenance in the country, has not yet provided an official statement regarding the reasons behind the contrasting costs. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, headed by Shri Nitin Gadkari, is expected to take note of the issue and respond to the concerns raised by the public.
As the matter gains traction, citizens, stakeholders, and government authorities are closely watching the developments to understand the underlying factors contributing to the discrepancy in highway construction costs. Clarity and transparency in such matters are crucial to building trust and ensuring the efficient utilization of public funds in crucial infrastructure projects.
The RTI application filed by Mr. Ajay Basudev Bose has once again highlighted the power of the RTI Act in promoting accountability and shedding light on critical issues of public interest. As the nation awaits further responses and investigations, it is hoped that this revelation will pave the way for enhanced scrutiny and fair allocation of resources in future infrastructure endeavors.
July 19, 2023
Karnataka Golf Association is a ‘public authority’ under RTI Act, declares HC

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Bengaluru: Dismissing a petition by the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA), the High Court has upheld the decision of the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) that it is a ‘public authority’ under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The KIC had declared the KGA a public authority under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act in an order on October 14, 2014. KGA had challenged this order before the HC.
Justice N S Sanjay Gowda heard the final arguments and delivered his judgment on the petition recently.

In a batch of petitions earlier, the High Court had held that societies registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act such as Bangalore Turf Club, Mysore Race Club, Ladies Club and the Institution of Engineers (India) which were granted lands on the basis of lease by the government were public authorities since the grant of lands under lease amounted to these clubs being substantially financed by the government.
The HC in its judgment on the KGA said, “The government order which is produced along with this petition indicates that 124 acres of land has been leased to the petitioner’s Association for a period of 30 years from May 17, 2010, subject to the petitioner paying two per cent of annual gross income as lease rent for the fresh lease period.”
Thus, KGA was a public authority, the HC said.
“In my view, the fact that 124 acres of land has been leased on two per cent of the annual gross income would indicate that the Association has been substantially financed by the State. It is to be noticed here that the Golf Association can run the Golf Course only if the land is available to them and if the land is given to them on a heavily subsidised rent, this would amount to a substantial financing as contemplated under RTI Act,” the judgement said.
Citing the earlier judgments in the cases of the other clubs, the HC said, “In my view, it would be appropriate to follow the decision rendered in the aforementioned Writ Petitions and uphold the order of the Karnataka Information Commission which has held that the petitioner is a public authority as contemplated under the RTI Act.”

Umpathi S had filed a RTI application seeking information about the Club in 2012. Since his application was refused, he had approached the KIC.
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#Karnataka #Golf #Association #public #authority #RTI #Act #declares
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

May 4, 2023
RAW exempted under RTI Act unless human rights or corruption an issue: Delhi HC

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New Delhi: India’s external intelligence agency RAW is an exempted organisation under the Right to Information Act and unless the information sought by an RTI applicant relates to human rights or corruption issues, it is not liable to be disclosed, the Delhi High Court has said.
The court’s order came on a petition by an RTI applicant for disclosure of information on the residences of a former RAW chief during a certain period.
The court refused to interfere with the CIC order refusing to supply the information to the petitioner and observed that Section 24 of the Right to Information Act provides that it does not apply to the security and intelligence organisations specified in its Second Schedule and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was one of them.

“RAW is an organisation which is specifically mentioned in the Schedule to the RTI Act. It is an exempt organisation. Unless the nature of information sought relates to human rights or corruption related issues, information is not liable to be disclosed,” said Justice Prathiba M Singh in a recent order.
“In the present petition, the nature of information sought, i.e., the residences of the subject person who was the head of RAW which is a security agency, would not be covered in the exemption. In view of the above discussion, the impugned order does not deserve to be interfered with,” ordered the court.
In January 2012, petitioner Nisha Priya Bhatia had sought “certified copies of applications for allotment of government accommodation made by Shri S.K. Tripathi; IPS (UP; 1972) between 1986 to present” from the Directorate of Estates, Government of India under the RTI Act.
When the matter reached the CIC after the petitioner received no reply, the CIC in 2017 concluded that RAW was covered by Section 24 as an exempt organisation and no case of human rights or corruption is made out in the present case to attract the exception.

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#RAW #exempted #RTI #Act #human #rights #corruption #issue #Delhi
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

May 3, 2023
In Digital Telangana, an online RTI portal is a far cry

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Hyderabad: The Right to Information (RTI) Act in Telangana seems to be non-existent with no annual reports, no information commissioners and no online portal for filing RTIs. This is concerning as there is no way to demand transparency of government functions in Telangana
Even though there has been a direction from the High Court of Telangana to build an online RTI filing portal, the state government seems to have completely ignored this direction.
Activists and advocates have been approaching the High Court demanding an online RTI portal for years now and the IT Department has been positively replying, they will get the portal ready as early as possible. In May 2022, an RTI by Kareem Ansari of YouRTI.in disclosed the portal is ready and is being tested with few departments, before it is made available to the public. Yet, almost after a year there is no portal for the public to access.

In a state where every process has been digitised from marriage registration to building permissions, why is it that a simple Right to Information request can’t be filed online? The answer probably lies with the economic aspect of maintaining this portal as it is not a revenue generating process for the government and can actually create problems if citizens get access to information that can be used to hold the government accountable.
As a digital society, where the government itself is forcing every form of technology on us to make governance easier under eGovernance initiatives, we haven’t seen technology essentially be used for accountability measures. It is clear when the state forces us to digitise, it is primarily motivated from economic incentives. But these don’t necessarily hold true for something like RTI, Archives or other forms of information services where there is no economic incentive for the state.
In all fairness, the IT department did put some effort into publishing open data by launching a new initiative with an open data portal and a policy accessible at https://data.telangana.gov.in/. Although this is a proactive effort, this hasn’t been extended in practice across departments where we can demand data, algorithms and other digital resources as defined under section 2(f) of the RTI Act. With every form of governance digitised, it should be our right to demand information as already allowed under the RTI Act.
Increased digitization has only created information asymmetry between citizens and the state. While the state has 360 degree profiles of citizens that it is creating and even sharing with police for surveillance, there is an information asymmetry with how much we can know about the state. These barriers are not just artificially created, they are also necessary for the state to not have any opposition to its actions.
The Telangana IT Department has always promoted new technologies in the state to help the IT sector. If you can build something new, the state will become the first customer to help you promote your technology. This is not necessarily true for all forms of technologies out there, but specifically towards technologies that bring revenue.

If you want to build a blockchain solution, the government of Telangana will gladly promote you through some regulatory push like making chit-funds listed on blockchain. But if you want the same with RTIs on a blockchain, then the government will not even think twice to reject the proposal.
So what will it take to get an online portal for Good Governance, eGovernance or whatever brand words the Government wants to use for making an RTI portal available for the public of Telangana? Do we have to send a proposal to the IT secretary that we can build a chatGPT integrated RTI portal or an AI to replace the bureaucracy or mandatory Aadhaar for filing RTIs?
What will it take for the citizens to have a simple governance system that they deserve? The answer is not the benevolence of the IT Secretary, Department or the Minister. Unless people demand this, it will not happen and it is unlikely the state is going to be accountable on its own.
Srinivas Kodali is a researcher with interests in cities, data and the internet.
(This article is shared under Creative Commons Attribution – No Derivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0)
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#Digital #Telangana #online #RTI #portal #cry
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 24, 2023
Mumbai train blasts: HC quashes death row convict’s plea seeking info under RTI

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New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition by a death row convict in the 2006 Mumbai train blast case seeking disclosure of information pertaining to the ban imposed on terrorist outfit Indian Mujahideen.
Ehtesham Qutubuddin Siddique had filed an application under the RTI Act seeking “background notes” of the Centre and reports of state governments of Gujarat, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh in relation to the ban on the organisation, which was stated to have carried out the blast. The outfit was proscribed under the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The petitioner challenged in the high court an order passed by the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) on June 13, 2019 denying him the information on the ground that it was covered under the exemptions provided in the RTI Act.

While refusing to interfere with the CIC’s decision, Justice Prathiba M Singh said the information sought by the petitioner has far reaching consequences and has to be seen from the “larger issue of safety and security of the public and the nation”. It said the information Siddique has sought, if provided, will have a bearing on sovereignty and security of the country.
“A perusal of the information shows that the same has far reaching consequences. The same organisation is stated to be involved in various unfortunate incidents since 2005, some resulting in severe loss of life and property,” said the court.
It observed that the disclosure of the information sought by the petitioner can “jeopardize the sources” of the government in relation to the ban on Indian Mujahideen and the CIC’s opinion that sharing the information would endanger the sources is “correct and does not require interference”.
“In view of the above, the writ petition is devoid of merit and is dismissed,” ruled the court.
Advocate Arpit Bhargava, representing the petitioner, contended the information sought in the RTI application was needed to prove the innocence of the petitioner in the criminal case and there was no further need to maintain confidentiality in relation to the “background notes” and the reports of the states as Indian Mujahideen has already been declared a banned organisation under UAPA.

The counsel for the Centre said the information in question cannot be disclosed as it is confidential and disclosure will be against public interest.
Siddique was awarded capital punishment for the July 11, 2006 serial blasts when seven bombs packed with RDX ripped through many western line local trains in Mumbai killing 189 peeople and injuring 829.
The petitioner, currently lodged in a prison, claimed in his plea he was falsely implicated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Mumbai in the train blasts case.
The trial court’s order of sentence is still pending confirmation by the Bombay High Court and the reports of the state governments and the Centre’s background notes would prove the innocence of the petitioner as well as violation of his human rights, the plea said.
Last year, the high court had dismissed another petition by Siddique challenging a CIC order denying disclosure of certain information pertaining to the sanction granted by the Maharashtra government for his prosecution under UAPA.
The high court had earlier this year rejected his petition seeking reports submitted by the Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh governments regarding investigation into the train bombings.
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#Mumbai #train #blasts #quashes #death #row #convicts #plea #seeking #info #RTI
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 18, 2023
JK Witnesses 31% Drop In RTI Applications In 2021-22

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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory recorded a sharp decline in the number of applications filed with different departments under the Right to Information Act-2005 in 2021-22, according to a report by a transparency panel released on Tuesday.
An analysis of the Central Information Commission (CIC) annual report for 2021-22 by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) found that the Jammu and Kashmir administration reported a 31.44% decline in RTI applications received in 2021-22 compared to 2020-21. “Among the UTs, Jammu and Kashmir reported a 31.44% decline in the number of RTI receipts in 2021-22 (1,099) as compared to the 2020-21 figure (1,603),” the CHRI said in its findings.
The CHRI findings further reveal that although Jammu & Kashmir reported only 94 RTI applications carried over from 2020-21, it was still a 683.33% increase over the 2019-20 figures (12 RTI applications).
The CHRI also noted that J&K reported a sharp decline in the proportion of RTIs transferred by PIOs in 2021-22 as compared to 2020-21. In 2021-22, 4.73% of RTI applications were transferred in J&K, while it was 38.74% in 2020-21, according to the CHRI.
It is pertinent to mention that the Central Right to Information Act-2005 became applicable in Jammu & Kashmir UT after the Centre effected constitutional changes in 2019. Before these changes, Jammu & Kashmir had its own RTI law. (KNO)

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#Witnesses #Drop #RTI #Applications
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 10, 2023
Under RTI Act, Advocate seeks details of officials, meetings, expenditure spent on fake PMO official in Kashmir

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Srinagar, Apr 01: An Advocate from Srinagar has filed an application under RTI Act to seek details about expenditure spent on trips, accommodation and security of Gujarat man who impersonated as PMO official.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the applicant has further sought details of the officials who held “official meetings” with conman; name of departments which spent “public money” on his transportation and accommodation.
As reported earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered an inquiry to probe into various aspects related to visits of alleged Gujarat conman, Kiran Patel to Kashmir during the past months and security arrangements made during his visit.
In his application, Advocate Aamir Masoodi has sought details of total amount spent on accommodation, transportation and other expenses of Patel on his last two visits to Kashmir.
An application addressed to Designated Information Officer in the office of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, the applicant has also sought details of concerned department who has paid the whole amount on behalf of Patel on his last two visits to Kashmir.
It further sought name of government officials posted in Kashmir who had meetings with Patel during his visits to Kashmir.
Patel was arrested by Police from a five-star hotel in Srinagar for posing as an ‘additional secretary’ in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and enjoying security cover besides other hospitality. On his arrest in Srinagar, FIR No 19 of 2023 was registered against him at Police Station Nishat for criminal intention and indulging in activities by employing high degree of forged means.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar has said they were checking the lapses in the present case and action will be taken against the officer involved.

“There was negligence on the level of a field officer and action will be taken,” Kumar said, adding that the police acted quickly against Patel when they got to know about the case.
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#RTI #Act #Advocate #seeks #details #officials #meetings #expenditure #spent #fake #PMO #official #Kashmir
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

April 1, 2023
Set up online RTI portal within 3 months, SC tells HCs

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday directed all high courts to set up RTI websites within three months, adding that online facilities will considerably facilitate the fulfilment of the objects of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said to help people access information on the apex court, it has already set up a portal for filing RTI applications in November last year.
The bench, also comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala, stressed that online facilities would facilitate the fulfilment of the objects of the RTI Act.
Hearing a plea seeking direction to the Registrars General of all high courts to operationalise online RTI portal, both for the high courts as well as the district courts, the top court said though the Act was enacted in October 2005, after a lapse of 17 years, online web portals are still to be operationalised by some of the high courts.
It was informed that high courts of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha have already set up web portals for the purpose. It also noted that the Karnataka High Court is using the website being set up by the state government.
The top court said it is of the view that such an exercise be carried out by all the high courts in the country no later than within a period of three months from today.
As the district judiciary is under the administrative control of the high courts, the top court asked the Registrars General of high courts to take administrative directions from the Chief Justice.
The bench said high courts will be at liberty to utilise the resources of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for the purpose, which will provide all logistical and technical assistance.

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#Set #online #RTI #portal #months #tells #HCs
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 20, 2023