Manipur Information Commission begins RTI Week 2026, stressing greater public awareness, proactive disclosure, transparency, accountability and citizen participation.
Imphal, Oct. 5: The Manipur Information Commission on Monday began the seven-day Right to Information (RTI) Week 2026 celebrations, with officials stressing the need for greater public awareness and effective implementation of the RTI Act to strengthen transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
The opening function was held at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) at Nityaipat Chuthek. Principal Secretary (AR/Transport) R.K. Dinesh Singh, IAS, was the chief speaker at the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dinesh Singh said RTI Week would continue for seven days and conclude on October 12, which will mark the 21st anniversary of the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005. The legislation was passed in June 2005 and came into force on October 12 of the same year.
He said the RTI Act had initially appeared complex because of its 31 sections and its broad objectives. Over the years, however, the RTI mechanism has become more accessible and effective, he added.
According to Dinesh Singh, the objectives of the legislation include enabling citizens to access information, ensuring transparency and accountability, addressing corruption and strengthening democracy.
He stressed the need to create greater public awareness about the RTI Act in Manipur and increase the number of RTI applications filed by citizens. He also called for regular assessment of the number of applications received and the effectiveness of implementation to measure progress.
The Principal Secretary further emphasised proactive disclosure by public authorities, saying it could reduce the workload of Public Information Officers (PIOs). Greater awareness among both applicants and public authorities, he said, could also help minimise misunderstandings and conflicts.
Such measures would strengthen transparency, accountability and public participation in governance, he added.
State Chief Information Commissioner of the Manipur Information Commission, Koijam Radhashyam Singh, delivered the welcome and keynote address.
Radhashyam Singh said RTI Week was being observed to spread awareness about the RTI Act among the public. Describing the legislation as one of the most important laws empowering citizens, he noted that it is also known as a “sunshine legislation”.
He said citizen participation was essential in a democratic republic and that the RTI Act had been enacted to give greater meaning to the principle of government of the people, by the people and for the people.
The State Chief Information Commissioner also stressed that the right to information is a fundamental right and requires an effective mechanism for its enforcement.
Referring to Section 4 of the RTI Act, he said public authorities are required to maintain and computerise records of their work to facilitate citizens' access to information. He also highlighted the principle of maximum disclosure with minimum exceptions under the Act.
He said citizens should have a better understanding of the provisions contained in Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the legislation.
Greater openness, transparency and accountability in government functioning, Radhashyam Singh said, could help reduce corruption, mismanagement and misuse of public resources while strengthening democratic governance.
The programme also featured workshops on the implementation of the RTI Act in Manipur.
Dr Ch. Narendra Singh, Advocate, conducted a session on “Strengthening the Right to Information in Manipur, from Transparency to Accountability”, while G. Shantikumar Kabui, Joint Secretary of the Manipur Information Commission, spoke on “Proactive Disclosure under Section 4 of RTI Act 2005; Building a Transparent and Citizen Centric Government in Manipur.”
State Information Commissioner Nungshitombi Athokpam, along with officials and staff of the Manipur Information Commission and the Department of Personnel and Training, attended the programme. The RTI Week celebrations will conclude on October 12.
