ITANAGAR, Aug 11: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik called for a shift from the traditional system of “Information on Demand” to “Information by Default” to strengthen transparency, accountability and citizen-centric governance in the state.
The Governor made the observation when State Chief Information Commissioner Major General (Retd) Jarken Gamlin called on him at Lok Bhavan here on Tuesday and submitted the Annual Report of the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC).
Gamlin briefed the Governor on the Commission’s recent initiatives, achievements, challenges and roadmap for strengthening implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Emphasising the transformative role of the RTI Act, Parnaik said proactive disclosure under Section 4 was the most effective means of promoting openness and reducing the need for citizens to file formal RTI applications.
He advised government departments to regularly publish key public information, including budgets, progress of development projects, beneficiary details, recruitment notifications, tender processes, land allotments, welfare schemes and important administrative decisions on their official websites.
The Governor suggested launching a state-wide Proactive Disclosure Compliance Drive, backed by periodic audits of public authorities to ensure effective compliance.
He also stressed the need for modern record management and digital governance, observing that efficient record keeping was fundamental to transparency. He advocated a mission-mode programme for digitisation of government records, integration with e-Office systems and creation of searchable digital repositories across departments.
On capacity building, Parnaik advised the State Information Commission to institutionalise quarterly training programmes for Public Information Officers, Assistant Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities. The training should focus on statutory timelines, exemptions, proactive disclosure obligations and citizen-friendly responses, he said.
The Governor further said the State Information Commission should evolve beyond its appellate role and emerge as a leading institution for promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.
State Information Commissioners Vijay Taram, Khopey Thaley, Dani Gambo and Sangyal Tsering Bappu, APIC Secretary-cum-Registrar Sode Potom and Deputy Registrar Priscilla Tayeng were also present.