Indian governance has become more transparent and accountable since the Right to Information Act, 2005. This act has enabled the common Indian man to seek information that is under governmental authority. It is quick in response and as accurate as can be.
And now it will be made even better in Karnataka as it is about to go online. In January, Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) will roll out this a service in Karnataka through which people can know the status of their application through SMS. This service will be available to only those applicants who have asked for it in their forms. Details like number of their case, date of trial and disposal can be known through SMS free of cost and any further details will be charged at 10 paisa per SMS.
HN Krishna, Chief Information Commissioner has said that there will also be a video conferencing facility for applicants in remote villages. Until now the applicant and the public officer had to be physically present in front of the court to make an appeal but now the trial can be conducted over video conferencing.
The number of applications from this single state for the year is 15,000. Now, this will ensure prompt action by the public information officer (PIO). For the people it will provide convenience and reduce the cost involved.
There was a trial run in studios in 5 districts of Karnataka and the officers who were not able to respond are given 30 days’ time. There are some minor glitches with this facility like the calls are interrupted and hung up abruptly which some people say may bring down the number of complaints.
Still, people from urban as well as rural areas are aware that an RTI application cannot go unheard and the number of applicants is equal from both areas of the country. The RTI Act has instilled a certain sense of transparency and accountability in governance. For the good public, more technology should be adopted by the government as it makes the administrative process better responsive and convenient.