Shri P.S. Rana, Chief Information Commissioner, Himachal Pradesh has emphasised the need for making best use of Right to Information in the larger interest of accountability and transparency. He was speaking on the occasion public interaction session on Right to Information for Better Society orgnaised by Ashadeep and Sewa Trusts here today in the memory of Shri Jai Chand Chandel and Shri Vikas Panwar for their notable contribution in the field of journalism at their very young age.

Shri P.S. Rana expressed happiness that with the passage of time more and more people were coming forward to seek information under RTI. He said as compared to 2654 applications received during the year 2006-07 in Himachal Pradesh when the State Information Commission was established, 17869 applications have been received during the year 2008-09. This figure was likely to go over 25,000 during the year 2009-10 as the information was still to be compiled.

Chief Information Commissioner said that PIOs have rejected 5.5 percent applications during the first year i.e. 2006-07 and this percentage has come down 3.2 percent in 2007-08 and about 2 percent in the year 2008-09. This showed the awakening amongst the PIOs as well as public about the RTI Act.

He said that flow of information had increased constantly under RTI in the State. He said that Commission had not only fined some PIOs for not providing the information but it also recommended disciplinary proceedings. He said that they should be very particular about it and must ensure that their functioning was quasi- judicial. He appreciated the efforts of Ashadeep and Sewa Trust for organising this discussion of vital public interest.

Shri J.N. Barowalia, former Principal Secretary, Law speaking on the occasion dwelt upon various aspects of Right to Information Act. He said that RTI also empowered citizens to inspect the works etc. and added that they should make best use of this provision.

Shri Devshish Bhattacharya, an activist of RTI from Delhi also spoke on the occasion and shared some experiences where he had to face difficulties in seeking the information under the Act. He expressed happiness that with the passage of time PIOs were understanding the importance of the Act and information was flowing frequently now.

Shri Rakesh Kanwar and Shri Sushil Tanwar, Chairman of Sewa and Ashadeep Trust respectively said that objective of their Trust was to create awareness and vital important issues besides helping the suffering humanity.

Shri Vepa Rao, veteran journalist and other personalities from various fields also participated in the discussions.