Only 75.27 per cent departments following mandatory RTI clause

Only 75.27 per cent public authorities have filed their mandatory annual returns for 2014-15 which is a notch higher than previous year's figure of 72.54 per cent, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
Responding to a question, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said, "As per the annual report of the Central Information Commission, 75.27 per cent of public authorities have filed their annual returns to the CIC for 2014-15, which is higher than the figure of 72.54 per cent for 2013-14, indicating an improved compliance over the previous year."
He said with a view to maximising suo-moto disclosure by public authorities, government had issued guidelines to all the Ministries/Departments on April 15, 2013.

It has issued an order dated June 29, 2016 to ensure compliance with the recommended measures for effective implementation of section 4 of the RTI Act by all public authorities, he said.
"Another OM (official memorandum) dated July 9, 2015, has been issued for appointment of a nodal officer of the rank of Joint Secretary for the implementation of section 4 of the RTI Act," he said.
Responding to a separate question, the Minister said out of 160 sanctioned posts in various categories at the Central Information Commission, 38 have been filled by regular officers and staff through deputation and direct recruitment.

"Balance posts have been filled up on outsourced basis and through contractual appointments till such time regular recruitments are made," he said.