| News Details |
| Balvinder Singh's RTI Initiative Leads to Appointment of CPIOs | | and First Appellate Authorities in DGPCs Across Jammu Division |
Jammu, October 29 (Scoop News)-In a significant step towards strengthening transparency and accountability in the functioning of District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committees (DGPCs), the process for designation of Central/Public Information Officers (CPIOs/PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) under the Right to Information Act, 2005 has been initiated across Jammu Division following a representation submitted by noted RTI activist Balvinder Singh.
In his representation dated 26 August 2026, Balvinder Singh urged the authorities to ensure uniform implementation of the RTI Act in all DGPCs functioning within Jammu Division. He highlighted that the absence of designated information officers and appellate authorities was preventing members of the public from effectively exercising their statutory right to seek information.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the First Appellate Authority under the RTI Act in the Office of the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, vide communication No. 801/FAA/RTI/2026-27/28-29 dated 24 October 2026, directed all Deputy Commissioners of Jammu Division to examine the issue and take necessary action within two weeks. The communication also referred to earlier instructions issued on 12 September 2015 regarding compliance with the provisions of the RTI Act.
Pursuant to these directions, the Deputy Commissioners were asked to ensure that all District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committees (DGPCs) falling within their respective jurisdictions designate Central/Public Information Officers (CPIOs/PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) for facilitating public access to information under the RTI Act. Subsequently, orders have been issued by the concerned authorities for such designations.
Welcoming the development, Balvinder Singh said that the decision marks an important step towards ensuring transparency, accountability and openness in the functioning of Gurdwara management bodies. He stated that the availability of designated Information Officers and Appellate Authorities would provide the public with a clear and effective mechanism for seeking information and redressal under the RTI Act.
He further emphasized that all concerned authorities should ensure strict implementation of these directions, prominently display the names and contact details of the designated officers, and establish an effective first-appeal mechanism to enable citizens to exercise their right to information without difficulty.
Balvinder Singh expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen public confidence in institutional functioning and help ensure that the Right to Information Act is implemented in its true letter and spirit.
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