category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU Chandigarh Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal today directed the public authorities in the State to meticulously implement the instructions for implementing Right to Information Act, 2005 and Rules. In a letter addressed to all the Administrative Secretaries, Head of Departments, Chief Administrators and Managing Directors of Boards, Corporations and Divisional Commissioners here today, the Chief Secretary stated that it has come to the notice of the State Government that the instructions are not being complied seriously by the various public authorities of the State. Therefore, while dealing with the RTI applications received in the public authorities, the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) should handle the RTI request as per the provision of the Act and Rules. These RTI applications should be disposed of strictly in compliance with the object and spirit of the RTI Act, 2005. The SPIO receiving RTI requests should carefully see the subject matter in the RTI applications and transfer it, if need be, to the public authority. Concerned SPIO should mention regarding receiving of the fee in their office, while transferring the application to other public authorities. Penalties imposed u s 20 of the RTI Act, 2005 by the State Information Commission, Haryana are to be recovered as per the Government instructions issued from time to time. Training to SPIOs and First Appellate Authorities should be provided to deal with RTI Act and Rules reads the letter issued by the Chief Secretary. Details of First Appellate Authority should be mentioned while replying to the RTI application and First Appeals should be decided as per the provisions of RTI application and First Appeals should be decided as per the provisions of RTI Act and Rules and instructions issued by the Government from time to time. Additional fee for supply of instruction should be asked with stipulated time period as per the RTI Act and Rules. Wherever the applicant has requested for certified copies of the documents or record, the SPIO should endorse on the document True copy of the document or record supplied under RTI Act , sign the document with date, above a seat containing name of the officer, SPIO and name of pubic authority. Principles gleaned in para 15 of judgment dated January 22, 2021 of Delhi High Court in CWP (Civil) and CM appeal 2395-2021may also take into account white dealing with RTI matters stated in the letter issued by the Chief Secretary. The Chief Secretary said that all the Administrative Secretaries and Head of Departments should bring to the notice of all officers concerned under their control that they must adhere to and strictly comply with directions circulated under the provision of RTI Act, 2005 in letter and spirit. (editor dailyworld.in)