Karnataka Information Commission's Remarkable Stride: Backlog Slashed to 38,000, Paving Way for Enhanced Transparency

In a significant victory for transparency and efficient governance, the Karnataka Information Commission has announced a dramatic reduction in its backlog of appeals. State Information Commissioner K. Badruddin proudly revealed that the number of pending appeals has plummeted to 38,000, a notable decrease from the daunting figure of over 43,000 just a short while ago.

Addressing a press conference in Mangaluru, Badruddin attributed this impressive achievement to a series of dedicated special hearings conducted by the commission.

These intensive sessions have been instrumental in clearing a substantial number of cases, demonstrating a renewed commitment to the Right to Information (RTI) Act and its spirit.

A particularly successful drive, held from February 26 to March 2, saw the commission dispose of an astounding 15,000 cases.

This focused effort highlights the strategic approach being adopted to tackle the accumulated workload and ensure citizens receive timely responses to their information requests. The cases span a wide array of government departments, including Revenue, Urban Development, Education, Police, and Panchayat Raj, underscoring the broad impact of the commission's work.

Looking ahead, Badruddin outlined ambitious plans to continue this momentum.

The commission intends to conduct further special hearings in various districts, with Udupi slated as the next location. This proactive strategy aims to clear more cases and make the process even more accessible to people across the state. The ultimate goal, as articulated by Badruddin, is to dispose of an incredible 1.5 lakh appeals within the next year, a target that, if achieved, would revolutionize the RTI landscape in Karnataka.

While the progress is commendable, the commission acknowledges the need for additional resources.

Currently operating with 10 Information Commissioners, there is a clear requirement for 10 more to further accelerate the disposal of cases. Badruddin noted that proposals for increased staffing have been submitted to the government and have received clearance, signaling a positive step towards strengthening the commission's capacity to serve the public effectively.

This steadfast commitment to reducing the backlog is a testament to the Karnataka Information Commission's dedication to upholding democratic principles and fostering greater accountability and transparency within the government machinery.

Citizens can anticipate a swifter, more responsive information system as these efforts continue to bear fruit.