Haryana RTI activists seek reforms in State Information Commission, submit 17-point memorandum to Governor - The HinduPublished - October 12, 2026 09:04 pm IST - GURUGRAM:RTI activists in Haryana have raised concerns over delays in hearings, disposal of appeals and denial of government documents. | Photo Credit: Special arrangementRight to Information (RTI) activists from several Haryana districts submitted a 17-point memorandum to Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh on Monday (October 12), seeking reforms in the functioning of the State Information Commission and effective implementation of the RTI Act, 2005. Jan Abhiyan Manch president and RTI activist P.P. Kapoor alleged that the State government had undermined the Act and that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, enacted by the Narendra Modi government, had weakened the right to access information. He accused Information Commissioners of obstructing its implementation, alleging that Public Information Officers were failing to provide information and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) were not conducting hearings. Mr. Kapoor also alleged that the Commission was returning second appeals to FAAs for disposal without hearing them. The RTI Act, which came into force on October 12, 2005, had been reduced to a “joke” in Haryana, he said, warning that activists would stage protests outside the Commission if their grievances were not addressed. Senior RTI activist Harendra Dhingra alleged that government documents, including allotment letters, official orders, file notings and no-objection certificates, were being withheld by wrongly invoking Section 8(1)(j) of the Act, which deals with personal information. He claimed that appeals were repeatedly adjourned over several years and that orders were delayed for months even after hearings had concluded. Besides seeking to address these delays, the memorandum called for SMS notifications upon registration of appeals and complaints. It also called for effective implementation of suo motu disclosure provisions under Section 4 on government department websites, online RTI application facilities in all government offices and the appointment of government officials as Public Information Officers in gram panchayats instead of serving sarpanches. Other demands included a toll-free helpline for the Commission, regular meetings between the Chief Information Commissioner and RTI applicants to seek feedback, and Statewide awareness programmes on National Right to Information Day. ‘Legal landscape has changed’Responding to the allegations, Haryana Chief Information Commissioner T.V.S.N. Prasad told The Hindu that the “legal landscape has changed” following the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which, he said, overrides the RTI Act and denies access to personal information. “It is therefore not a matter of choice for us,” he said, adding that although the law had been challenged in court, its implementation had not been stayed. On the return of second appeals to FAAs, Mr. Prasad said more than 50% of appeals were reaching the Commission by bypassing the first appellate stage. While such appeals were earlier heard routinely, the Commission had discontinued the practice to ensure that the prescribed mechanism was followed. “We are making the system function in the manner it should,” he said, adding that FAAs were the “custodians of information” and better placed to provide it to applicants. For the first time, he said, the Commission was issuing show-cause notices to FAAs for failing to provide information. Mr. Prasad said the Commission had conducted training programmes for State Public Information Officers and FAAs. It would also begin district-wise online interactions with RTI activists and the public later this month to raise awareness and seek feedback. “It will be an open house, and anyone can attend it,” he said. Published - October 12, 2026 09:04 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }