Gov attends event marking 21st Anniversary of RTI Act
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 7 Oct: Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd) participated as the Chief Guest in a programme organised at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday to mark the 21st anniversary of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. On the occasion, he felicitated the winners of the Dr. R. S. Tolia State-Level Right to Information Act Debate Competition–2026.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that the Right to Information is not merely a means of obtaining information from a government office; rather, it empowers citizens to understand governance, ask questions and ensure their participation in the system. He emphasised that the RTI Act is a vital pillar of transparency, accountability and citizen empowerment.
The Governor observed that perceptions of information and governance have undergone a significant transformation over time. Earlier, greater importance was attached to secrecy in government and administration. Today, however, transparency and accountability have become integral to a democratic system. He said that the more transparent and accountable the functioning of the government and administration, the more effective and robust the governance system would be. He added that this was not merely the responsibility of any individual or institution, but a collective responsibility of the entire nation.
The Governor stated that technology has transformed the entire landscape of information in the 21st century. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, space technology, cyber technology and data analytics have made access to information easier and faster than ever before. He emphasised that the responsible and judicious use of these technologies would be crucial as India progresses towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The Governor urged the State Information Commission to move forward by effectively adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in response to changing technological developments. He said that technology should be used to make citizens’ access to information simpler, faster and more transparent. The use of AI and digital platforms can help disseminate RTI-related information, guidance and awareness to a much wider audience.
Emphasising the need to raise awareness about the RTI Act in remote and hilly areas, the Governor called for strengthening the participation and representation of citizens from these regions. He said that it must be ensured that people living in the remote areas of Uttarakhand have complete information about the Right to Information and access to the facilities required to exercise this right. He added that technology and public awareness could help extend the reach of the State Information Commission to the farthest corners of the state.
On the occasion, Chief Information Commissioner Radha Raturi briefed the gathering on the functioning and activities of the Commission.
Information Commissioner Dalip Singh Kunwar, former Information Commissioner Yogesh Bhatt, Secretary Rajendra Kumar, Secretary to the State Information Commission Raza Abbas, Additional Secretary Reena Joshi, and students from various schools and colleges were present at the programme.
