• Pu John Neihlaia

     Chief Information Commissioner

  • Pu Mangjangam Touthang

     Information Commissioner

  • Officials of the Mizoram Information     Commission
  • Invitees

I am happy to be with you for this Inaugural Function of the Right to Information (RTI) Week, 2023. The enactment of the Right to Information Act in 2005 was a historic occasion for our country, and it has helped in bringing about good governance.

The RTI week is celebrated every year during 5th – 12th October. I hope that this year’s RTI Week will also 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 received 134 Second Appeals and 157 Complaints.

The Commission has published 17 Annual Reports, which have been laid in the State Assembly. I congratulate and encourage the MIC to maintain due diligence in the publication of the Annual Reports.

The MIC, in collaboration with the GAD and the ICT Departments, launched a software system called Mizoram RTI Online. I encourage the public to make good use of this convenient digital platform.

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 happy to note that the MIC, in collaboration with ATI, organised a two-day training programme in June of this year, where more than 500 officials participated.

Also, as proposed by the MIC, Village and Local Councils in Mizoram have been declared by as Public Authorities under the RTI.

At the same time, the MIC continues to carry out RTI Awareness Campaigns in all the districts, including the far flung areas. It is my desire that all these activities will lead to greater transparency and accountability in our governance system.

In the current digital age, access to information has become extremely important. Citizens have the right, as well as the responsibility, to keep the authorities in check. The RTI has become an important tool for ensuring good governance and delivery of services.

However, as responsible citizens, we should not file frivolous and malicious complaints, which can strain the time and resources of the government machinery. The RTI must be carefully utilized for the overall good of the society and the Nation.

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 inaugurate the RTI Week 2023 inaugurated.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.