RTI Workshop in Srinagar Highlights Vital Role of Transparency in Jammu Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A two-day capacity-building workshop on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, recently concluded in Srinagar, emphasising the critical role of transparency and accountability in democratic governance within Jammu and Kashmir. Organised by the J&K RTI Movement in collaboration with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Uri Foundation, and Kashmir Law Circle, the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including legislators, administrators, legal experts, civil society leaders, journalists, and aspiring law students.

Addressing the inaugural session, MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami passionately articulated that the constitutional right to life is inextricably linked to the Right to Information. He stressed that RTI empowers citizens to access information crucial to their daily existence, lamenting that the right to live with dignity is under threat due to a reluctance to challenge authority, leading to systemic inefficiencies. Tarigami urged the youth, in particular, to grasp the true spirit of the RTI Act, emphasising that only through active public participation can its benefits truly reach the grassroots. He also voiced concern over the cumbersome process of filing even a First Information Report (FIR) and criticised the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, suggesting that more effective utilisation of the RTI mechanism could have allowed for its challenge.

MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafeez Lone, a pioneering RTI activist in Jammu and Kashmir, delivered a powerful message of resilience, urging activists not to lose hope despite current challenges. He asserted that the RTI Act is the very soul of democracy, requiring the unwavering support of the people, the government, and all committed to systemic reform. Lone lauded the J&K RTI Movement as a dynamic platform for nurturing youth leadership and fostering active political engagement. He specifically commended Dr Shaikh Ghulam Rasool for his steadfast dedication in guiding the J&K RTI Movement through various adversities, crediting his relentless efforts for keeping the spirit of transparency and accountability alive in the region. Lone’s own remarkable journey, including his pivotal role in bringing the J&K RTI Act 2004 to the region alongside the late Balraj Puri, serves as an inspiration for youth leadership and RTI activism.