Chief Information Commissioner R.K. Mathur advised PSE CEOs to look at RTI as a tool for good governance. He advised them to ensure proactive disclosures under Section 4 of RTI Act, as it may bring down a number of queries, save time and may reduce fake news.
Addressing a two-day national conference on RTI Act 2005, organized by Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), he said with regard to disclosure of commercial information of PSEs, the PSEs should use their good judgment in disclosing commercial information in the overall interest of the company.
Mathur complimented SCOPE for its initiative towards smooth implementation of RTI Act.
Ved Prakash, Chairman, SCOPE & CMD, MMTC in his address said RTI has served the dual purpose of improving governance and making development more inclusive for the masses. This meet may further facilitate understanding of the act as well as bringing awareness about latest notifications, amendments, new rules & guidelines etc, on RTI Act.
Dr. U.D. Choubey, Director General, SCOPE, said Public Sector Enterprises have embraced the RTI in letter and spirit. He strongly pleaded for level playing by bringing private sector under the ambit of RTI Act.
A PSE must also have the same privileges in seeking information from a private sector enterprise. Such a level-playing field between government and non-government sectors rests on the principle of equity, especially when the listed private player and NGOs are holding public money through shareholders and financial institutions.