Pune, 30th December 2023: The Railway Board has swiftly responded to recent controversies related to RTI disclosures by enforcing stricter guidelines to bolster transparency and improve the handling of RTI applications. The move comes in the wake of key leadership changes within the Central Railway division, drawing attention to the need for enhanced scrutiny and adherence to the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.
The shuffle in key positions saw Swapnil D. Nila Sr., the former Divisional Officer Manager (Sr. DOM) of Pune division, taking on the role of Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) on December 29, 2023. This transition followed a brief tenure by Dr. Shivraj Manaspure, who, through an RTI application, brought to light funds allocated for selfie points featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi cutouts, leading to his swift transfer within eight months of assuming office.
Milind K Deouskar, Secretary of the Railway Board, issued a comprehensive directive in response to these developments. In his communication addressed to General Managers of Zonal Railways, Production Units, and Divisional Railway Managers across all divisions, Deouskar stressed the importance of maintaining organizational credibility and reducing the burden of appeals filed due to inadequate responses.
“In order to address the recent decline in the quality and timeliness of responses to RTI applications, it has been mandated that General Managers of Zonal Railways and Divisional Railway Managers shall personally oversee the approval of responses. Moreover, replies to first appeals under the RTI Act will require the endorsement of the respective General Managers and Divisional Railway Managers,” stated Deouskar in the missive.
The directive aims to streamline the RTI application process, ensuring strict adherence to the prescribed timelines for response disposal outlined in the RTI Act. By requiring higher-level approvals and endorsements, the Railway Board seeks to prevent a surge in first appeals and subsequent appeals to the First Appellate Authority and Information Commission. Ultimately, these measures are geared towards upholding the integrity of the organization and reinforcing its commitment to transparency.
