Action on non-disclosure is no solution, iCOM says
The President's Office has received the highest number of requests for information under the Right to Information Act this year.
By
Aishath Fareeha Abdulla
Information Commissioner Ahid Rasheed said on Tuesday that he does not see a solution in taking action against government agencies for not providing information requested under the Right to Information Act.
The Information Commissioner's Office (iCOM) has been summoned before the Independent Institutions Committee of the Parliament on Tuesday.
Replying to a member's question, Information Commissioner Ahid said:
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Agencies respond to more than 90% of requests for information under the Right to Information Act
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Of the remaining 10% that reach the office about unanswered or dissatisfied requests, 90% are for unanswered
"We are trying to fix it in consultation with the agencies. But at some point we have to talk to the relevant authorities at the state level and try to find a solution," Ahid said.
He said a report would be prepared with the relevant authorities on the issue.
"I don't exactly believe that this can be solved by fines. However, if we have to go to that point, we have to do it," he said.
Two cases have been filed with the Prosecutor General's Office so far, he said. There are still about 10 cases to be sent to the office, he said.
The Information Commissioner's Office gives priority to dealing with cases within the 30 days stipulated by the law, he noted.
The biggest challenge facing the Information Commissioner's office, he said, is the lack of office space and staff. The lack of adequate budget to continue the work of the office is also a challenge.
The President's Office has received the highest number of requests for information under the Right to Information Act this year. The office received 103 requests for information while 57 requests were submitted to the Finance Ministry.
