Srinagar, Jan 12: Despite the recent launch of the Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information (RTI) Online Portal by the government, the Jammu Kashmir Bank remains outside its ambit, leaving RTI activists and the general public disappointed.
The exclusion of the bank, which is a public authority under the RTI Act, has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in its operations.
The newly launched RTI portal aims to streamline the process of filing and tracking RTI applications. However, the absence of Jammu Kashmir Bank from the portal has become a significant roadblock for those seeking information related to the bank’s functioning. While the bank maintains an RTI section on its official website, its non-integration into the centralized portal has left many applicants frustrated.
A well-known RTI activist expressed dismay over the exclusion, emphasizing that the inclusion of the bank on the portal would enhance transparency and facilitate easier access to critical information.
“Scores of RTI activists are keen to obtain information from Jammu Kashmir Bank on various issues of public interest. However, the absence of the bank on the portal has made it difficult to seek information efficiently,” he said.
Another RTI activist argued that integrating the bank into the RTI portal would align with the government’s stated objectives of promoting transparency and improving public access to information. He urged the government to prioritize the inclusion of the bank on the portal, highlighting its role as a public authority.
Jammu Kashmir Bank, being a public financial institution, handles significant public funds and plays a pivotal role in the J&K’s economy. RTI activists believe that ensuring its operations are subject to public scrutiny through the RTI Act is crucial for building trust and accountability. They said they are hopeful that the government will address this gap soon and take steps to include Jammu Kashmir Bank in the RTI Online Portal.
“The integration of Jammu Kashmir Bank into the RTI portal would mark a significant step toward improving governance and accountability in the region,” RTI activists said. [KNT]
