SIC's Doorstep Initiative Resolves Over 1,100 RTI Appeals in Nanded District
The State Information Commission (SIC) bench in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has launched a groundbreaking initiative titled 'info panel at doorstep of citizens', designed to bring administrative hearings directly to the people. This innovative program has already yielded significant results, with a total of 1,136 second appeals successfully disposed of in the Nanded district alone.
Special Hearing Program Drives Efficiency
Under the leadership of State Information Commissioner Prakash Indalkar, the SIC bench conducted hearings at various locations across the district from March 9 to March 13. This strategic move was implemented to save valuable time and energy for applicants, public information officers, and appellate officers who would otherwise need to travel to the commission's main office.
An official release confirmed that during this intensive five-day program, the commission not only cleared 1,136 second appeals but also addressed other cases related to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The initiative represents a proactive approach to reducing the substantial backlog of appeals pending with the commission.
Streamlined Process and Positive Feedback
The SIC implemented a systematic approach to ensure smooth proceedings. Hearing notices were issued to all concerned parties in advance, and a detailed cause list—an official schedule outlining cases to be heard each day—was made publicly available on the commission's official website.
"Many appellants along with public information officers and appellate officers from different public offices expressed their gratitude towards the SIC for making special efforts by holding district-level hearings," the commission stated in its official communication.
Understanding Second Appeals Under RTI Act
Under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005, a second appeal serves as the final administrative recourse available to applicants dissatisfied with decisions made by the First Appellate Authority (FAA). According to Section 19(3) of the Act:
- Second appeals must be filed within 90 days from receiving the FAA's decision
- Alternatively, they must be filed within 90 days after the expiry of 45 days from filing the first appeal if no response has been received
Addressing the Pending Appeals Backlog
Official records reveal the scale of the challenge facing the information commission. As of February-end, a staggering 14,469 second appeals remained pending across the SIC's main bench and seven different regional benches. The doorstep initiative in Nanded represents a significant step toward addressing this substantial backlog while improving accessibility for citizens seeking transparency through the RTI framework.
The success of this program in Nanded district demonstrates how decentralized hearing mechanisms can enhance the efficiency of information commissions while making the appeals process more citizen-friendly and responsive to public needs.
