Transparency Officers in Ministry

Transparency Officers in Ministry

The Central Information Commission(CIC) vide its order dated 15.11.2010 has directed all the Ministries/Departments of Central Government that each Central Public Authority under its jurisdiction should designate a senior officer as Transparency Officer to, inter alia, overview the implementation of Section 4 obligation. The matter is under examination.

Information Commissions have been set up under the RTI Act to ensure that the provisions of the Act are enforced. Information Commissions have powers to hear complaints under Section 18 and also to hear appeals against non-supply of information by the Public Authority under Section 19. Under Section 19(8) of the Act Information Commissions have the power to require Public Authority to take any such steps as may be necessary to secure compliance with the provisions of the Act and they may also impose penalties on the Public Information Officer as per provisions of Section 20.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Shri V.Narayanasamy in written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha today.