Hans News Service
Anantapur
StateInformation Commissioner G Adenna conducted surprise inspections across government offices in Anantapur district on Friday and issued show-cause notices to 16 Public Information Officers (PIOs) and other officials for alleged lapses in implementing Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
The inspections covered Jesus Nagar Secretariat, Anantapur Municipal Corporation, District Court, Two Town Police Station, a government school on Court Road, and government offices in Bukkarayasamudram, Narpala, Atmakur and Kalyandurg. During the visits, the Commissioner reviewed receipt and disposal of RTI applications and examined pending cases.
Addressing officials, Adenna stressed that the effective implementation of RTI Act is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in public administration. He directed Public Information Officers, First Appellate Authorities and Assistant Public Information Officers to strictly comply with the provisions of the Act and ensure timely disposal of applications.
The Commissioner said several deficiencies were identified, including the absence of mandatory Citizen Charters and display boards carrying the names and contact details of Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities.
Officials found to have failed in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities were issued show-cause notices under Section 19(8)(a) of the Act.
The officials have been directed to submit their explanations within 15 days. Adenna warned that failure to provide satisfactory explanations within the stipulated period could result in further action based on available records, without issuing additional notices.
Surprise inspections were also conducted at Tahsildar and Panchayat offices in Bukkarayasamudram, Tahsildar and Mandal Educational Officer offices in Narpala, Tahsildar and MPDO offices in Atmakur, and Revenue Divisional Officer’s office in Kalyandurg.
During his visit to the government school on Court Road, the Commissioner inspected implementation of mid-day meal scheme and interacted with students. He also reviewed availability of drinking water and directed municipal authorities to complete pending pipeline repair works immediately to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the school.