“While the then Union minister of personnel, public grievances & pensions launched the RTI online portal for the Central government in August 2013 and directed all the state governments to do so (which they subsequently did), RTI activists in Jammu and Kashmir had to struggle relentlessly to finally get one.”
The inauguration of the Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information (RTI) Online Portal by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah marks a significant step forward in the region’s governance. This initiative, launched at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, aims to simplify access to information, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability across government departments. The event, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and other senior officials, underscores the administration’s dedication to promoting open governance. While the then Union minister of personnel, public grievances & pensions launched the RTI online portal for the Central government in August 2013 and directed all the state governments to do so (which they subsequently did), RTI activists in Jammu and Kashmir had to struggle relentlessly to finally get one.
The collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to develop this user-friendly portal highlights the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for better administrative efficiency. The RTI Online Portal is designed to transform the traditionally cumbersome RTI application process into a streamlined digital system. Citizens can now submit requests, track their progress, and receive responses online, eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices. This not only saves time but also reduces the costs associated with filing RTI applications, making the process more accessible to all. One of the portal’s standout features is the automatic issuance of a registration number via SMS and email, which allows applicants to easily track their requests. Additionally, the portal integrates 61 government departments and involves thousands of officials, ensuring broad coverage and enabling citizens to access a wide range of government information. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for widespread publicity to ensure that citizens across Jammu & Kashmir are aware of this new tool and can fully utilize its benefits.
“As the portal becomes operational, it is crucial for the authorities to continuously improve and expand its features to ensure it remains a robust tool for civic empowerment. The launch of the J&K RTI Online Portal represents a significant advancement in governance, making the government more accessible and responsive to its people, and paving the way for a more transparent and participatory democracy in Jammu & Kashmir.”
Effective awareness campaigns are essential to encourage public engagement with the portal, which, in turn, will strengthen government accountability and transparency. This initiative sets a benchmark for other regions by showcasing how technology can bridge the gap between the government and its citizens. The portal upholds the principle that access to information is a fundamental right, empowering citizens and fostering a more informed and engaged populace. As the portal becomes operational, it is crucial for the authorities to continuously improve and expand its features to ensure it remains a robust tool for civic empowerment. The launch of the J&K RTI Online Portal represents a significant advancement in governance, making the government more accessible and responsive to its people, and paving the way for a more transparent and participatory democracy in Jammu & Kashmir.
Shafqat Bukhari
editor @thekashmirhorizon.com
