J&K RTI Foundation highlights the importance of access to information in the digital era

International Day for Universal Access to Information celebrated in Magam: A J&K RTI Foundation note:

***

Magam, Jammu and Kashmir - September 28, 2023 - On September 28, 2023, the J&K RTI Foundation celebrated the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) with great enthusiasm and participation. The event, held in Magam, witnessed an engaged audience both in-person and via Zoom, highlighting the importance of access to information in the digital era.
IDUAI is globally recognized as a day to emphasize the crucial role of access to information in empowering individuals, promoting transparency, and fostering informed decision-making. The United Nations General Assembly designated September 28 as IDUAI in 2019, following the lead of UNESCO, which had established this observance in 2015.
Irfan Banka, Anthropologist and Founder of J&K RTI Foundation, stressed this year's theme, "the importance of the online space for access to information." He drew attention to the J&K Government's efforts in making 1028 services available online and urged for the provision of Online RTI Facilities (e-RTI Service) to enable citizens to exercise their right to information efficiently in the digital age.
Sheikh Maqbool, Columnist and Co-founder of J&K RTI Foundation, reiterated the organization's commitment to the goals of the Right to Information Act, emphasizing the need for widespread awareness about this fundamental right.
Sajad Hussain, Co-founder of J&K RTI Foundation, asserted that the Right to Information is an essential right, and citizens should actively exercise it to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
Aaqib Bashir and Ishfaq Majeed, members of RTI Pend, showcased the pivotal role of the RTI Pend initiative in raising awareness about the Right to Information among the public.

***

On October 1st 2023 were brought together RTI activists, leaders, and community members to discuss and advocate for the effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Distinguished guests, including Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Dar and Mr. Shakeel ur Rasool, prominent RTI activists, and Mr. Sajad Hussain, Co-founder of J&K RTI Foundation, shared their insights on the transformative power of RTI in bringing transparency and accountability to governance.

During the event, Mr. Irfan Banka, host of RTI Pend, emphasized the need for widespread awareness about the RTI Act. He urged citizens to actively participate in Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections, underlining the role of educated youth in shaping a more transparent and accountable governance system. He also requested the government to launch an e-RTI portal for the public as soon as possible as the government has already made 1028 services online as per reports.

Mr. Shakeel ur Rasool shed light on how RTI has played a crucial role in obtaining information related to Wullar and fishermen communities. He encouraged the youth of Bandipora to leverage RTI to contribute to societal well-being.

Mr. Sajad Hussain delineated the differences between the Central RTI Act 2005 and the erstwhile J&K RTI Act 2009, expressing concern about the confusion created in J&K, particularly by some government officials. He emphasized the importance of clarity in the application of RTI laws.

Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Dar appealed to the educated youth to file RTIs related to government schemes and initiatives, contributing to the dissemination of essential information for greater transparency.

The event also showcased the pivotal role of Technical Directors, Mr. Ishfaq Majeed, and Mr. Aaqib Bashir, in making RTI Pend events successful.

Besides offline participation, the event was also live-streamed on Facebook and Zoom, providing a wider audience with valuable insights into the RTI Act. RTI Pend continues to be a beacon of awareness and advocacy, committed to fostering a culture of transparency and informed decision-making.

Comments

Towards 2024: Time for ‘We the People of India’ to wake up before it is too late

By Fr Cedric Prakash SJ* It is Constitution Day once again! We, the people of India, gratefully remember 26 November 1949 when the Constitution of India was passed and adopted by the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly comprised women and men of distinction, who were able to represent the heart and soul of the people of India without fear or favour. They gave of their best, so that we may a visionary Constitution, which would be the mainstay for and of democracy in India!

Eight years of empowering tribal communities through water initiatives in Chhattisgarh

By Gazala Paul* In the heart of Chhattisgarh, amidst the echoes of tribal life, a transformative journey has unfolded over the past eight years. The Samerth organization has diligently worked to elevate the lives of indigenous communities in the Kawardha district through the project, "Enabling Baiga Community to access safe drinking water."

Regretful: Kapil Dev retired not leaving Indian cricket with integrity he upheld

By Harsh Thakor Kapil Dev scaled heights as an entertainer and a player upholding the spirit of the game almost unparalleled in his era. In his time he was cricket’s ultimate mascot of sportsmanship On his day Kapil could dazzle in all departments to turn the tempo of game in the manner of a Tsunami breaking in. He radiated r energy, at a level rarely scaled in his era on a cricket field. Few ever blended aggression with artistry so comprehenisively. Although fast medium, he could be as daunting with the ball as the very best, with his crafty outswinger, offcutter, slower ball and ball that kicked from a good length. Inspite of bowling on docile tracks on the subcontinent, Kapil had 434 scalps, with virtually no assistance. I can never forget how he obtained pace and movement on flat pancakes, trapping the great Vivian Richards in Front or getting Geoff Boycott or Zaheer Abbas caught behind. No paceman carried the workload of his team’s bowling attack on his shoulders in his eras muc

Critical factors that determine, contribute to the success and effectiveness of NGOs

By Rohit Rakshit Over the last few years, I have been fortunate to work with numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across various states in the country. This experience has allowed me to gain insights into their diverse areas of work while also enabling me to analyze the key attributes that contribute to the success of a good NGO. According to my observations, the following are the critical factors that determine the effectiveness of an NGO.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das* India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on.

Raising temperature of frozen foods by 3 degrees from -18°C to -15°C can slash carbon emissions: Study

By Payel Sannigrahi Frozen food temperatures could be changed by just three degrees to save the carbon dioxide emissions of 3.8 million cars per year, research suggests.

Odisha leadership crisis deepens: CM engages retired babus to oversee depts' work

By Sudhansu R Das Over decades, Odisha has lost much of its crop diversity, fertile agriculture land, water bodies, employment potential, handicraft and handloom skills etc. The state has failed to strike a balance between the urban and rural sector growth; this leads to the migration of villagers to the urban areas leading to collapse of the urban infrastructures and an acute labor shortage in rural areas. A large number of educated, skilled and unskilled Odia people have migrated to other states for higher education, quality jobs and for earning livelihood which plummet the efficiency level of government departments. Utmost transparency in the recruitment and promotion in the state government departments will improve governance mechanisms in the state. "No near and dear one approach" in governance mechanisms can only achieve inclusive growth for the state on payment basis. This is a moral hazard. When so many educated young people seek employment outside the

1982-83 Bombay textile strike played major role in shaping working class movement

By Harsh Thakor On January 18th, 1982 the working class movement commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Textile Workers Strike that lasted for 18 months, till July 1983. It was landmark event that played a major role in shaping the working class movement. With more than 2.5 lakh workers from 65 textile mills joining in this strike for almost two years, this strike became one of the most significant strikes in terms of scale and duration All democrats should applaud the mill workers’ united battle, and their unflinching resilience an death defying courage continues to serve as a model for contemporary working-class movements. Many middle class persons harboured opinions that the Textile workers were pampered or were a labour aristocracy, ignorant of how they were denied wages to provide for basic necessities. The Great Bombay Textile Strike is notably one of the most defining movements in the working class struggles in Post-independent India. Bombay’s textile industry flourished in

20% of Indian businesses have no emission plan in place despite climate emergency: Report

By Jag Jivan New research underlines urgent need for strategies and transition plans to combat climate change, remain successful and meet stakeholder expectations.

TERI researchers outline ways for robust, equitable and flexible outcome at COP28

By Sanya Hans Researchers at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched two crucial policy briefs ahead of the much anticipated 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) scheduled from November 30 to December 12, 2023 at Dubai, UAE. Former climate negotiator, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, a Distinguished Fellow at TERI emphasized, “Adaptation is an imperative and absolute must in present times for the Global South. COP28 needs to make the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) integral to climate commitments and action”. “Climate change demands that energy use must be sustainable; the development imperative of the Global South demands it to be inclusive, just and fair," Mr Puri added. Outcome on GGA will be a key determinant for the success of COP28 The policy brief titled ‘Road to Dubai and The Global Goal on Adaption’ reviewed the discussions around the GGA framework to provide perspectives on what could be a robust, equitable, and flexible outcome of the GGA process at CO

Search This Blog