SIC urges citizens to seek govt records under RTI law

HYDERABAD:

The Sindh Information Commission (SIC) has urged citizens to use the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016, to obtain records on public welfare projects, government spending and utilisation of funds, warning officials that withholding required information could lead to penalties and other legal action.

Speaking at a seminar at the Arts Council in Sukkur, SIC commissioners said government officials were legally bound to provide requested information to citizens and could face penalties, punishment and other legal consequences for refusing to do so.

Senior Commissioner Muhammad Saleem Khan said the first commission was constituted for a three-year term in 2017 following the enactment of the 2016 law. He said the commission comprised a chief commissioner and two commissioners, while an executive director handled administrative responsibilities.

He said the commission also conducted inspections of government departments. He described the SIC as an independent and autonomous institution empowered under the law to exercise the powers of a civil court.

SIC Commissioner Noor Muhammad Dayo said designated officers were required to register applications submitted by citizens seeking information and respond within 15 days. He said an additional 10 days could be allowed on the basis of a valid reason.

Dayo said that if a complaint was lodged against a designated officer for failing to provide required records, the commission could conduct an inquiry and impose penalties, punishment or take other legal action.