Kohima,14 July: A training on Right to Information Act, 2005 was successfully conducted for Appellate Authorities, PIOs, APIOs and other officers at ATI, Kohima from 9th to 11th July, 2008.
This is the second course being conducted under the UNDP-GoI project on ‘Capacity Building for access to information’. The training delved into all the sections of the Act, group activities on Case Studies and preparation of proactive disclosure of information by every public authority, and an open session with the members of the State Information Commission. 72 participants attended the training. The resource persons were Charles Kikon, Evothung Ezung and L. Youdang Jamir.
Speaking during the valedictory programme, P. Talitemjen Ao (IAS Retd.), Chief Information Commissioner, Nagaland said that the RTI Act enables right to access to information as well as right to information itself. Though, on the whole some momentum and progress is seen in the State, the PIOs are not properly sensitized or even aware of the Act. Some officers do not even know that they are PIOs. He stressed that even after imposing penalty on the erring PIOs, information should be provided. While providing information, there should be friendly and healthy relationship between the citizen and the PIO, and encouraged to record all communications in writing as documentary evidence. While appreciating ATI, Kohima for conducting a number of training programmes on RTI, he urged the participants to create awareness in their own offices and districts, and not depend on ATI alone.
The valedictory programme was chaired by F. P. Solo, Director, ATI and the vote of thanks was proposed by W. Ezung, Course Coordinator and Nodal Officer (RTI). Dr. K. Zhimomi, State Information Commissioner and Lithrongla Chishi, Addl. Director, ATI and Secretary, Women Commission were also present.