New Delhi: A two-day training programme on 'Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005' was organized by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), at its campus, from September 22-23, 2008.

The objective behind the training programme was not just to create awareness about the RTI Act, among the teaching and non-teaching employees of the University, but also to sensitize them about its role and importance in society and promote greater efficiency in handling the RTI applications received at the University.

Inaugurating the two-day programme, Mr. V.K. Jain, Registrar, GGSIPU, said, "RTI is a powerful tool towards transparent administration and good governance. We have successfully implemented RTI in our University and I am pleased to share that in last three years, there has hardly been any case, where Central Information Commission (CIC) had to intervene in a University matter."

The first day of the training was held for the officers and deans of the University and directors of its affiliated institutions.

The second day of the training was participated by Section officers and supporting staff of the varsity.

The programme was organized by Planning Department of the University in association with Directorate of Training: Union Territories Civil Services, Government of Delhi.

During the training, an overview of the 'Global scenario and historical perspective of RTI laws' was given by Mr. M.B. Vijh, Assistant Director, Training, Directorate of Training.

Mr. Vijh shared important information on the role, scope and rules of the Act.

Speaking on what kind of information could be withheld from sharing under RTI, he said, "Information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, is not required to be provided under RTI Act."

A documentary film on how RTI Act has benefited the rural population in Rajasthan was also screened on the occasion.

Mr. K.B. Rai, Advisor, Administrative Reforms, Government of Delhi, dwelt on the 'Nature of requests/ cases/ complaints under RTI, received by the Public Information Officers (PIOs) and at Appellate level'.

Mr. Rai cited several case studies in his presentation and spoke at length on the role and responsibilities of PIOs.

On the other hand, Mr. Venketesh Nayak, Programme Coordinator, Access to Information Programme, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), discussed 'How to deal with the requests falling under Section 8 & 9 of the RTI Act, 2005 and to resolve the conflicts between the RTI Act and Public Authorities'.

"The idea behind RTI movement is not only to provide information but also to increase transparency, curb corruption, enhance efficiency in governance and ensure optimum utilization of resources," he said.

Other speakers included Mr. M.M. Sharma, Secretary, Election Commission for Union Territories and Ms. Reshmi Mitra from CHRI.