State Information Commissioner urges clarity in RTI applications

Tamil Nadu State Information Commissioner Mr. R. Priyakumar emphasized the importance of clarity in framing questions under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, advising petitioners to avoid combining queries for multiple departments in a single application.
Speaking during a special hearing held at the Salem District Collectorate on Friday, he stated that such practices often cause delays and hinder precise responses. Instead, he urged petitioners to submit department-specific queries to ensure faster processing and accurate replies.
The session addressed 70 cases involving appeals from departments like Police, Revenue, and Cooperatives. Public Information Officers (PIOs) and appellants participated, and second-level appeals on these petitions were resolved.
Mr. Priyakumar also highlighted the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission’s efforts to improve accessibility by holding hearings in districts, reducing the need for petitioners and PIOs to travel to Chennai. On average, the commission receives 300 to 500 petitions daily, and replies to RTI queries must be provided within 30 days, with the first appeal addressed within the same timeframe.
Encouraging responsible use of the RTI Act, the Commissioner appealed to NGOs and activists to raise awareness about the Act and its benefits. 
He urged the public to avoid misuse and ensure that volunteers support the Act’s implementation to promote transparency and accountability.