Gandhi, a former Central Information Commissioner, said Gaikwad's approach shows his commitment to cut down delays and keep the landmark RTI law relevant.
"I have no hesitation in saying he (Gaikwad) is one of the best Information Commissioners in the country. He has been disposing around 6,000 cases a year - which is more than my average of 5,400 (at the Central Commission).
Sharing his experience based on numerous interactions with Gaikwad, the 69-year-old entrepreneur-turned-activist said the Maharashtra CIC has shown empathy for applications and recognised that delayed decision making by Information Commissions will make RTI irrelevant.
A 1975-batch IAS officer, Gaikwad served in various capacities, including Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and head of Mumbai planning agency MMRDA, before taking over as State CIC in June 2012.
"It is necessary to point out defects and deficiencies in working of public servants. We should demand accountability and raise issues of bad orders or judgements by judges or commissioners, but should also be willing to appreciate good work done by them."
Gandhi, however, qualified his praise for Gaikwad, saying the latter may too have misinterpreted the law in a few cases but that does not take away the good work he has done.
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