SIC concerned over FAA working, asks for increased compliance

Raising its concern at the lack of sensitivity exhibited by the First Appellate Authorities in disseminating their duties, the Jammu and Kashmir State Information Commission has insisted upon increased level of compliance on part of FAAs to increase the efficiency of the Commission.
"The Commission has observed with concern that compliance at the level of FAAs is wanting. Most of the FAAs are not yet sensitive towards discharging the statutory duties cast upon them to adjudicate First Appeals," the State Information Commission (SIC) said in its annual report for the year 2011-12, which was tabled in the State legislature recently.

"If compliance level of FAAs increases the intervention of the Commission will diminish, which will help the administration to concentrate on their duties," it added.
The Commission also stressed the need to computerise its institutions to make the scientific management of all official records a reality.
"As a part of administrative reforms, the State government may consider initiating the process of computerisation in all its institutions," SIC said, adding, the RTI Act mandates the obligations of the government in regard to scientific management of all official record.
"The State government must take appropriate practicable measures to accelerate the process of computerised management information system by all public authorities in the state," the Commission insisted.

Emphasising the need to create more awareness about the Act, the Commission said: "The State Government must tap all forms of mass media for undertaking an extensive public awareness programme to educate people about Right to Information."
"The publication of the Act in the official language of the State may be made available on Internet and disseminated in print form," SIC recommended.