What is RTI?

RTI stands for Right to Information as a fundamental right of citizens of Pakistan acknowledged under Article 19/A of the Constitution. The Punjab Transparency & Right to Information Act 2013 provides detailed procedure for citizens to file RTI Application to PIOs and to assail the orders of PIOs before Punjab Information Commission. A citizen in exercise of RTI can have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law.

How RTI contributes for good governance?

•    RTI provides an opportunity to citizens to comment on public services and performance of public bodies.
•    It develops public opinion about public services and functions of public bodies which is necessary for democracy.
•    It helps the authorities to identify gaps and lapses in governance.
•    It contributes to improve public services.
•    It ensures efficient and corruption free public services.
•    It makes public functionaries / bodies responsive to citizens.
•    Summary of the significance of the PIC's public decisions

The vision of Deputy Commissioner about RTI?

Deputy Commissioner considers RTI as an enabler law which facilitates citizens to avail of public services in a better manner. He also considers RTI as a tool of accountability by citizens which ultimately leads to an informed society. He also believes that maximum disclosures and transparency makes his office and public services credible in public eye.

1. Proactive Mode of Disclosure (Sec-4 of the Act);

The act provides 13 kinds of basic information regarding each public body which need to be disclosed proactively or voluntarily through official websites. Such information is the introduction of Rules, Regulations and Laws, the Directory of all Officers with their function and powers and detail of all public services rendered by a public body. Such updated information must reflect all the time on official website to facilitate citizens looking for any service from the public body. 

2. Re-active Mode of Disclosure (Sec-10 of the Act)

Any information is not covered under Sec-4 of the Act hence not proactively disclosed, can be retrieved by filling RTI Application to the PIO designated u/s 7 of the Act. A PIO (Public Information Officer) is officially assigned the task of conduct of RTI business by dealing with all RTI Applications. Deputy Commissioner ensures that PIO for his office and all PIOs designated for all other offices under his administrative control must be well-versed with RTI law and preferably trained from Punjab Information Commission to deliver RTI services.  The list of officers presently designated as PIOs are as under;

1. 1. Deputy Commissioner Office

   2. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue)

   3. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General)

   4. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance & Planning) 

   5. Assistant Commissioner Rajanpur

   6. Assistant Commissioner Jampur

   7. Assistant Commissioner Rojhan

   8. Assistant Commissioner (HR & Coord)

   9. General Assistant (Revenue)

Procedure of Processing of RTI Applications?

RTI Application can be filed either on a plain paper or prescribed performa. Deputy Commissioner office has already adopted the performa used by Punjab Information Commission. A view of such application is as under;

Access to Information - Process Flow

A Citizen is required to disclose following information while filling RTI Application:

• Copy of Identity Card
• Mobile Contact No
• Email Address
• Mailing Address

An applicant is under obligation to provide necessary detail and adequate description of the requisite information/document;

An applicant is not bound to explain the reason to have access to some particular information;

PIO subject to making necessary entries in RTI Register issues acknowledgment receipt to the applicant;

Any PIO working under the administrative control of Deputy Commissioner, first of all determines that whether the requisite information/document is really held by the office. In case it is so held, he evaluates the requisite information w.r.t 8 exemptions provided u/s 13 (1) of RTI Act. If the information is not exempted under any of 8 sub-clauses then dispatches the certified copy/copies of information at the given address of complainant at state expenses taking the same as statutory obligation.

Time Limit

Although usual limit for providing/disclosing information is 14 working days yet in case of some complications the said limit extends maximum up to 28 days but in such case PIO of Deputy Commissioner Office informs the citizen about the cause of delay and tentative date of disclosure.

In case any information is found exempted under any of 8 sub-clauses of Sec-13 (1), PIO of Deputy Commissioner office pass a Speaking Order and dispatch its copy at the given address of complainant.

All PIOs in Deputy Commissioner office keep efficient liaison with Punjab Information Commission for guidance and also appear for hearing when citizen file a RTI Complaint (Appeal) before the Commission.

Citizens are also advised to visit RTI Punjab Commission website and fill the online application form to directly submit the application to Commission.