In a surprise move, the Department of Personnel & Technology has become the first in all government departments to accept RTI applications filed online. While the DoPT has been instrumental in helping the Central government's many attempts at diluting the RTI Act's powers, the move comes as a surprise. What is more interesting is that many other departments are ready to follow suit after the DoPT's move.
The novel feature can be accessed by enrolling at the website www.rtionline.gov.in. Payment details and confirmation receipts can also be obtained online, which ensures complete transparency and protects the identity of the applicant. Activist Rakesh Reddy Dubbudu says, "It is a welcome move and we hope that other departments too begin to accept RTI requests that are filed online.This has been something that has been demanded from all quarters for quite a while now." He, however, adds that the RTI can only be effectively used when people are ready to fight from the ground level.
Published in Postnoon on 07/Mar/2013: http://postnoon.com/2013/03/07/dopt-blazes-a-trail-allows-rti-online/112757
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RTI in UPSC
The new format of the Group 1 Civil Services has included Ethics and Integrity and Right to Information in its syllabus. The new paper has laid emphasis on these two topics while laying a special coverage of the RTI Act beginning from the philosophical basis of governance and probity, to work culture, citizens charters, utilisation of public funds, challenges of corruption etc. DoPT has also changed the marks distribution of papers and increased the number of compulsory subject papers of general studies for the main examination. From Civil Services (Mains) exams, 2013, there will be four compulsory general services papers of 250 marks each, in addition to two optional papers of 250 marks each.
Earlier, there were two compulsory papers on general studies and two optional papers of 300 marks each. Total marks for the main exams will be 1,800. The paper on essay and English comprehension will continue to be of 300 marks. This decision was headed by Professor Arun S Nigavekar former chairman of UGC and the changes were granted by the prime minister. The prelims of the UPSC Group 1 exams will be held on May 26 and the last date for application is April 4.
Published in Postnoon on 07/Mar/2013: http://postnoon.com/2013/03/07/dopt-blazes-a-trail-allows-rti-online/112757
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