JAMMU, Jan 10 – In a move aimed at bolstering transparency and accountability in governance, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the RTI Online Portal, enabling citizens to submit Right to Information (RTI) requests, track their status, and receive responses digitally, eliminating the need for in-person visits to government offices.
Speaking at the launch event held at the Civil Secretariat, Chief Minister Abdullah expressed optimism about the portal’s transformative potential. “In a case of better late than never, the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir finally have their own RTI portal,” he stated on Facebook, emphasizing the user-friendly and efficient nature of the platform.
The portal, managed by the General Administration Department (GAD) as the nodal agency, integrates 61 government departments and provides access to 272 nodal officers, 720 first appellate authorities (FAAs), and over 3,400 public information officers (PIOs) across the region. Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the system is designed to streamline the RTI process by offering features such as an intuitive interface, robust documentation, and a unique registration number issued to applicants via SMS and email for easy tracking.
Empowering Citizens
Highlighting the initiative’s significance, Abdullah said, “This digital shift will make the RTI process more streamlined, transparent, and cost-efficient, empowering citizens with easier access to government information.” He congratulated the officers involved in the portal’s development and urged authorities to widely publicize the initiative to ensure maximum citizen awareness.
Comprehensive Coverage
The portal allows for the submission of RTI applications and appeals to public authorities listed within its directory. However, officials clarified that RTI requests for authorities not yet included must still be filed manually. Citizens can find a department-wise list of nodal officers and contact information for complaints regarding delays or unresolved applications.
The portal’s introduction aligns with the government’s broader commitment to embracing digital solutions for effective governance and public service delivery. Abdullah noted that this step would significantly enhance public participation and trust in the administration.
“By simplifying the RTI application process, we aim to strengthen governance and make it more accountable to the people it serves,” he said.
The portal represents a major stride in leveraging technology for governance and is expected to further foster transparency and efficiency in Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative machinery.
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