RTI applicant can participate in proceedings through video conferencing
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Secretary, Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission, Dr. Sonia Thakur informed here today that the Hybrid Mode of Hearing has been started by the Commission for the convenience of the appellants. All the Appellants and complainants have now been given the option to either appear in person during the hearing of the second appeal and complaint filed under the RTI Act 2005, or participate in the proceedings of the Commission through online video conferencing.
This facility has been started from December 26, 2023, she said and added that now a link is given in the notice being sent to the appellants through which they can appear through video conferencing during the hearing of the appeal. The appellants have also been given the option to send their e-mail ID to the Commission and they can get this link on e-mail as well. She said that at present the personal presence of the appellants during the hearing of appeals was negligible. Due to various reasons the appellants were not able to appear in person during the hearing. After the launch of this facility, the appellants will be able to connect from their place during the hearing of the appeal, so that they will get a proper opportunity to present their side.
Apart from this, the e-mail addresses of all the Public Information Officers (PIOs) of the state have also been collected and from January 1st, 2024, notices were also being sent to all the PIOs through e-mail so that they receive the notices in time and can submit their reply before the Commission at the appropriate time, said the spokesperson. These important provisions have been made to speed up the decision on appeals and complaints, she added.
