Seven RTI benches proposed in state

The Karnataka government proposes to introduce seven benches in the state for hearing cases filed before the state information commission, RTI Commissioner Shekhar Sajjan said today.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the SIC, in the last five years, received 30,000 applications of which 22,000 cases have been disposed off. Rs 30 lakh in penalty has been recovered from over 600 officials for their failure to provide information, while 8,000 cases are still pending for disposal, Sajjan said.

He highlighted the need to create public awareness on RTI. Such benches are functioning in Maharashtra, Sajjan said. Deputy Commissioner Jiddimani said the Revenue Department has submitted a Rs 350 crore proposal to the government for setting up record rooms for RTI-related matters in taluks and districts.