Several Government departments and agencies are yet to take steps for the implementation of the Central Right to Information Act in the state of Kerala despite a series of Cabinet decisions.
The Cabinet decided a week ago that all departments should publish the details of public information officers and assistant public information officers on their websites. Only one wing of the General Administration Department dealing with Secretariat records and the Employment Cell has so far done this.
Public-sector undertakings (PSUs) and autonomous institutions have practically taken no steps towards the implementation of the provisions of the Act within the timeframe specified. The Cabinet had asked the Principal Secretaries and Secretaries to give directions concerned to PSUs, universities, autonomous institutions and local authorities in this regard.
The Government is planning to request Rs.50 crores from the Centre to defray expenses relating to the establishment of the State Information Commission and other facilities, as there is provision to seek Central assistance for the enforcement of Central Acts.
The circular had also said that section superintendents and clerks would be held responsible if the receipts were not issued. A case is now before High Court seeking directions of the court to the Government to issue receipts.
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