After successfully implementing the information on phone service under Right to Information (RTI) Act Bihar once again added new flavor by introducing video-conferencing facilities under RTI. Bihar Information Commission has taken decision to introduce to tech-driven approach to make RTI more strong and popular.
This is the first of its kind initiative by any state government of the India. Launching the facility, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that after incorporating the video-conference facilities under the RTI for speedy disposal of appeals by applicants at every district headquarter, similar facilities would be extended up to the block-level as well.
He said that Information Officials were facing difficulties in providing information for cash shortage "we have now decided to ensure contingency fund for the purpose." He said about 93,000 pieces of information had been sought by applicants through 'Jankari call centers' in Bihar after implementation of the RTI Act.
"We will be awarding the 1,00,000th applicant," he said. "We are going to implement the Right to Service Act in Bihar from August 15, 2011," he said adding that it had provisions for dismissal from service in the event of public servants violating the law.
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India, Satyanand Mishra praised the Bihar government for its innovative efforts for popularizing the RTI Act and said the number of applicants was increasing from 20 to 25 percent every year.
