Right To Information (RTI)
What is RTI?
RTI stands for Right to Information as a fundamental right of citizens of Pakistan acknowledged under Article 19/A of the Constitution. The Punjab Transparency & Right to Information Act 2013 provides detailed procedure for citizens to file RTI Application to PIOs and to assail the orders of PIOs before Punjab Information Commission. A citizen in exercise of RTI can have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law.
What are the benefits of RTI?
RTI provides an opportunity for citizens to comment on public services and the performance of public bodies.
It develops a public opinion about public services and functions of public bodies which are necessary for democracy.
It helps the authorities to identify gaps and lapses in governance.
It contributes to improving public services.
It ensures efficient and corruption-free public services.
It makes public functionaries/bodies responsive to citizens.
A vision of Deputy Commissioner Okara?
Deputy Commissioner Okara considers RTI as an enabler law which facilitates citizens to avail of public services in a better manner. He also considers RTI as a tool of accountability by citizens which ultimately leads to an informed society. He also believes that maximum disclosures and transparency make his office and public services credible in the public eye.
Pro-active Disclosure of Public Information: (Sec-4 of the Act);
Functions of DC office Okara,
Powers & functions of officers,
Decision-Making Process,
Acts, Ordinances, Rules, Regulations, Notifications etc.,
Categories of the information held by the DC Office,
Directory of officers with remunerations, perks & privileges,
Allocated budget and actual expenditures,
Amounts of subsidies with detail of beneficiaries,(N/A)
Beneficiaries of concessions, permits, or authorizations,(N/A)
Facilities for citizens to obtain information (email, helpline, grievance boxes, through PIO),
Name, designation & particulars of PIO/s,
Any other information notified in the official gazette
Citizens are also advised to visit the RTI Punjab Commission website and fill out the online application form to directly submit the application to Commission.