Pu Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, Chief Information Commissioner

Pu Zorammawia, Information Commissioner

Officials of the Mizoram Information Commission

Invitees 

I am delighted to be the Chief Guest at this Inaugural Function of the Right to Information (RTI) Week, 2022. The Right to Information Act, enacted in 2005, was a monumental legislation which has massively improved transparency and accountability in governance.

The RTI week is celebrated every year during 5^th – 12^th October. This year too, I am certain that the RTI Week will be observed successfully under the aegis of the Mizoram Information Commission. 

 The Mizoram Information Commission (MIC) was established in the year 2006. Since its inception, the MIC has taken a number of steps for the effective implementation of the RTI Act.  

The Commission has been diligently publishing the Annual Reports, which have been laid in the State Assembly. I congratulate the MIC for its prompt publication of the Annual Reports, and I am sure that this diligence will continue to be maintained.

The MIC, in collaboration with the GAD and the ICT Departments, has launched a software system called Mizoram RTI Online, which is a notable achievement for all stakeholders. 

Mizoram RTI Online is available both as a website and as a mobile application. I am happy to state that we are the 8^th State in the country to provide online facilities for RTI applications. Through this app, RTI applications can be tracked, and timely delivery of service can be ensured. For those who want to file RTI application but do not have the necessary device, there are around 800 Common Service Centres and Rural Information Kiosks across the State to facilitate them.

I am further delighted to know that hundreds of RTI applications have been submitted via Mizoram RTI Online. This shows that the initiative of Mizoram RTI Online has been a success, and I encourage members of the public to continue to use this digital platform.

The MIC has been carrying out RTI Awareness Campaigns in all the districts, including the far flung areas. In these campaigns, various sections of the society including the NGOs and the religious bodies have been engaged. Guidelines, pamphlets and leaflets have been distributed, and hoardings have been put up. It is my desire that all these activities will lead to a positive outcome, and that they will lead to greater transparency and accountability in our governance system.

It has been rightly said that “Knowledge is Power”. The citizens of this country are fortunate to have an important tool such as RTI in our hands. 

It is our duty and responsibility to use this tool wisely for the development of our Nation. However, great care must be taken so that frivolous and malicious applications are not submitted, which can take a toll on the State machinery. The RTI must be utilized in good faith for the overall good of the society and the Nation. 

In conclusion, I congratulate the MIC for organizing this important event. I urge the citizens to continue to use the RTI to guide and steer the government in its course. With these few words, I hereby declare the RTI Week 2022 inaugurated.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.