The newly formed Hnahthial District observed the Right to Information (RTI) Week for the first time at the District Headquarter Hnahthial, in the presence of Pu Lalduhthlana Ralte, State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and Mizoram Information Commission Secretary Pu Vanlalngena yesterday at the Government Hnahthial College Auditorium.  The program was attended by key district officials, students, journalists, Village council members and NGOs.

Speaking on the occasion, Pu Lalduhthlana Ralte, State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) stated that the Mizoram Information Commission was formed in 2006 in accordance under Section 15(1) of the RTI Act, 2005 wherein every State Government in India has to constitute an Information Commission to exercise the powers conferred on, and to perform the functions assigned to it under the Act. He also stated over the past 13 years, that the Mizoram Information Commission has been making all out efforts to promote awareness regarding RTI by conducting Workshops, seminars and various competitions for school and college students. Stating that RTI is a key element in Good Governance, he informed the gathering that the basic object of that Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government and make the citizens informed about the activities of the Government. He also stated that since the appointment of MIC in 2006, the number of RTI applications in Mizoram has not seen much increase over the years, with a total of 16,139 applications from 2006 to 2019 (as on 31/09/2019) with 177 1st appeals, 73 2nd appeals and 133 complaints reaching the MIC. Stating that an informed citizenry is a prerequisite for democracy and an asset for every Government, he encouraged more people to utilize the powerful RTI Act for the betterment of the society.

The SCIC’s speech was followed by Workshop on RTI Act, 2005. The event was chaired by Pu Vanlalmawia, Deputy Commissioner, Hnahthial.