The Delhi government has roped in noted activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal as an advisor to ensure better implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in the administrative machinery.
Agrawal, who holds the Guinness World Records for maximum number of published letters to editors, will provide guidance and training on provisions of the RTI Act, 2005 to all PIOs/First Appellate Authorities under the Delhi government during his one-year tenure.
Working with the Administrative Reforms Department, Agrawal will also suggest ways and means for better implementation of the RTI Act.
"The Delhi Lt Governor is pleased to appoint Subhash Chandra Agrawal as consultant in AR Department with immediate effect for a period of one year," the order from Deputy Director of AR Department Amitabh Joshi said.
Agrawal is known for his path-breaking applications which brought the office of the Chief Justice of India under the ambit of the RTI Act.
His application, along with Association of Democratic Reforms, was also responsible for bringing six national political parties under the ambit of the RTI Act. Agrawal is known for his applications on Padma awards which brought changes in the way records of the coveted civilian awards were maintained.
When contacted, Agrawal told PTI that "I, with my own experience, am aware of several shortcomings with the Delhi government in handling RTI petitions, and of course efforts will be made to remove those."
"I will also contact former and existing Central Information Commissioners dealing with petitions filed at CIC in respect of public-authorities concerning the Delhi government for their valuable feedback," he said.
He said he felt honoured that the Lt Governor of Delhi has appointed him as a consultant.
"I will try to include the Delhi government and its arms amongst the best-rated public authorities to respond to RTI petitions," he said.
