Govt to start helpline for RTI implementation

**karira** · 08-23-2008, 01:31 PM

As reported in expressindia.com on 23 August 2008:
Govt to start helpline for RTI implementation - Express India

Govt to start helpline for RTI implementation

Chandigarh, August 22 The Haryana government has decided to start a call centre-based helpline for effective implementation of the Right to Information Act. The government is starting this helpline with four seats, which would be expanded depending upon the response and need. This helpline would be to guide persons seeking information from various departments.

Chief Secretary Dharamvir said it would be started within one month. The helpline would be a toll-free number and would work on all seven days. Depending on the traffic, additional helpline and additional shift would be added. It would also help them to articulate their questions in case any information seeker is not clear about what he is looking for.

He said an RTI cell would be created in the office of the Chief Secretary immediately and it would be designated as Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO). Its main function would be to coordinate RTI work with different departments. He said with a view to facilitate information seekers in payment of fee, a payment gateway would be incorporated with the web portal. The information seekers would be able to pay fee through different modes.

Payment of fees through affixation of court fee stamps would also be considered as a mode of payment of fee under RTI Act wherever RTI applications are filed manually. Dharamvir said in order to provide guidance to information seekers, it has also been decided to open a counter at the e-DISHA centres or offices of deputy commissioners in districts with an official who would be designated as assistant public information officer (APIO) under the Act.

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