Imphal: R.K. Dinesh Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary (AR/Transport), Government of Manipur, stressed the need to increase public awareness about the Right to Information (RTI) Act and ensure its effective implementation to strengthen transparency, accountability and public participation.
He was speaking at the opening function of the Right to Information Week Celebrations, 2026, organised by Manipur Information Commission today at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Nityaipat Chuthek.
Speaking on the occasion, R.K. Dinesh Singh stated that the Right to Information (RTI) Week will be observed for seven days and will conclude on October 12, 2026. He noted that October 12 will mark the 21st anniversary of the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005, which was passed in June 2005 and came into force on October 12, 2005.
He stated that the RTI Act initially appeared confusing due to its 31 sections and broad scope and objectives. He highlighted that its objectives include enabling people to access information, ensuring transparency and accountability, eliminating corruption and, ultimately, strengthening democracy. He added that the functioning of the RTI mechanism has become more accessible and effective over the years.
R.K. Dinesh Singh stressed the need to create greater public awareness about the RTI Act and increase the number of RTI applications in Manipur. He said the number of applications received and the effectiveness of implementation should be regularly assessed to measure progress.
He also emphasised proactive disclosure by public authorities to reduce the burden on Public Information Officers (PIOs). He said awareness among both applicants and authorities would help minimise misunderstandings and conflicts, and strengthen transparency, accountability and public participation towards achieving a fully functional democracy.
Giving the welcome and keynote address, Koijam Radhashyam Singh, State Chief Information Commissioner, Manipur Information Commission, stated that the RTI Week is being observed to spread awareness about the Right to Information Act among the public. He described the RTI Act as one of the most important legislations empowering citizens and noted that it is also referred to as a sunshine legislation. He said that as India is a democratic republic, the participation of citizens is essential, adding that the RTI Act was enacted to give greater meaning to the principle of government of the people, by the people and for the people.
He emphasised that the right to information is a fundamental right and that an effective mechanism is necessary for its enforcement. Referring to Section 4 of the Act, he stated that public authorities are required to maintain and computerise records of their work so that citizens can access information. He highlighted the principle of maximum disclosure and minimum exceptions under the RTI Act, adding that the provisions under Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 should be understood by the public. He stressed that greater openness, transparency and accountability in government functioning would help reduce corruption, mismanagement and misuse of public resources and give greater meaning to democracy.
The programme also featured workshops on Strengthening the Right to Information in Manipur, from Transparency to Accountability by Dr. Ch. Narendra Singh, Advocate, and Proactive Disclosure under Section 4 of RTI Act 2005; Building a Transparent and Citizen Centric Government in Manipur by G. Shantikumar Kabui, Joint Secretary, Manipur Information Commission.
Nungshitombi Athokpam, State Information Commissioner, Manipur Information Commission, along with officials and staff of the Manipur Information Commission and the Department of Personnel and Training, attended the programme.
