State information panel seeks more branches

Over 13,000 cases are pending from North Karnataka before the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) and the KIC has sought the state government’s permission to set up branches in North Karnataka to ensure the quick disposal of complaints. It is also planning to utilise videoconferencing facility at the Deputy Commissioners’ offices to conduct hearings.

KIC commissioner Shekhar Sajjanar speaking at the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Hubli) said here 30,000 complaints had been disposed of under the RTI Act since the inception of the commission and 13,000 cases were still pending. “So far, during the hearing of 519 cases, where it was found that the official had deliberately kept information from the applicants, a penalty was imposed. A total of Rs 25 lakh has been collected as fine from the officials so far,” he said.

 

Sajjanar said seven information commissioners were touring the districts in the state to hold sittings and clear pending cases. “The process of holding hearings at various districts started four months ago,” he said.