J&K RTI Foundation Highlights Key Concerns with Newly Launched J&K RTI Online Portal.
||Black and White Digital News||
||Parvinder Singh January 12,2025 ||
Srinagar : The Jammu and Kashmir RTI Foundation has issued a detailed press statement outlining significant concerns regarding the newly launched J&K Right to Information (RTI) Online Portal (https://rtionline.jk.gov.in). While acknowledging the portal’s potential to revolutionize government transparency and public access to information, the Foundation has highlighted operational flaws that could undermine its effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Launched on January 10, 2025, by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the portal aims to streamline the process of filing RTI applications and provide easier access to government information for the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the J&K RTI Foundation, in its statement to media, has identified several critical issues that could hinder the portal’s usability and deter public engagement.
Key Issues Highlighted by the Foundation:
Confusing Warning Message:
A major concern raised by the Foundation pertains to the warning message prominently displayed on the portal’s homepage. The message advises users not to file RTI requests for Central Government or other State Government departments, potentially confusing first-time users. The Foundation has suggested replacing this with a welcoming message to reassure users that the portal is specifically designed for J&K government departments, thereby fostering confidence in the system.
Mandatory PDF Upload:
The portal requires applicants to upload a PDF document when submitting an RTI request, even though the RTI text is already entered in a designated field. The Foundation has criticized this requirement as redundant, pointing out that the Central RTI Online Portal (https://rtionline.gov.in) allows document uploads to remain optional. Applicants who fail to upload a document are redirected to an error page, forcing them to restart the entire process.
To address this issue, the Foundation has recommended making document uploads optional and introducing on-page error validation to enhance user experience.
Post-Submission Fee Warning:
Another pressing concern is the post-submission message that warns applicants the application fee will not be refunded if the relevant public authority is not integrated into the portal. Furthermore, such applications are not forwarded to the appropriate authority. The Foundation has called for a two-pronged solution:
1. Onboarding all public authorities into the portal.
2. Utilizing Section 6(3) of the RTI Act, which mandates transferring applications to the relevant authority if it is not part of the portal.
Exclusion of J&K Bank:
The exclusion of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, a public authority under the RTI Act, from the portal has drawn sharp criticism. Despite the Bank maintaining an RTI section on its website (https://www.jkbank.com/others/common/rtiBank.php), citizens are unable to file RTI requests regarding the Bank through the J&K RTI Online Portal. The Foundation reported receiving numerous complaints from citizens and has urged the government to integrate the Bank into the system without delay, ensuring seamless access for applicants.
Lack of Email Confirmations:
Currently, users receive an SMS confirmation upon submitting their RTI applications, but no email confirmation is sent. The Foundation has recommended introducing email confirmations, akin to the system used by the Central RTI Online Portal, to provide applicants with an official digital record of their submissions.
Commendation and Call for Action:
While applauding the government for launching the portal as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in governance, the J&K RTI Foundation has emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues. The Foundation believes that rectifying these flaws will enhance the portal’s functionality and encourage more citizens to utilize the system.
The J&K RTI Online Portal has the potential to become a cornerstone of government transparency in Jammu and Kashmir. However, its success hinges on swift action to address the concerns raised by the Foundation. By resolving these issues, the government can ensure that the portal fulfills its promise of empowering citizens and fostering an open and accountable administration.
