In a proactive move towards ensuring transparent governance, Right to Information activist Anil Galgali's advocacy has sparked swift action from the Maharashtra government. Following Galgali's direct engagement with Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik, a crucial step has been taken to address the longstanding vacancies within the Maharashtra State Information Commission.
Galgali, in a personal meeting with Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik, presented a comprehensive memorandum emphasising the pressing need to fill the positions of Chief Information Commissioner and three State Information Commissioners. Highlighting the overwhelming backlog, comprising over 1 lakh appeals and 7 thousand complaints, Galgali underscored the urgency for immediate appointments to expedite the resolution process.
Expressing concern over the dearth of functioning benches, Galgali proposed the establishment of three additional Information Commissioner benches. With the current setup of the Chief Information Commissioner and six State Information Commissioner Benches, Galgali stressed the necessity of creating a more equitable distribution to ensure swift and fair resolution of appeals.
The vacant positions, including those of Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioner for Konkan, Aurangabad, and Amravati, have been a bottleneck in the effective functioning of the commission, leading to delays in providing essential information to citizens.
Responding promptly to Galgali's memorandum, Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik has issued directives for immediate action. An advertisement has been released to fill the vacancies for Chief and State Information Commissioners, signalling a positive step towards bolstering transparency and efficiency within the Maharashtra State Information Commission.
This proactive approach signifies a concerted effort by both activists and government authorities to uphold the citizens' right to information and ensure the timely resolution of pending appeals, promising a more responsive governance system.