Hyderabad/Bhubaneswar, September 17, 2026:
A national-level conference of State Chief Information Commissioners was convened in Hyderabad to discuss ways to strengthen the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act and improve the efficiency of Information Commissions across the country.

The conference was inaugurated by Telangana Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, while the proceedings were chaired by the Central Information Commissioner. Odisha was represented at the meeting by State Chief Information Commissioner Shri Manoj Parida.

A major focus of the discussions was the growing pendency of appeals and complaints before Information Commissions. Representatives from different states exchanged their experiences and highlighted administrative practices being adopted to accelerate case disposal and make the RTI mechanism more accessible to citizens.

During the deliberations, participants also discussed the need to discourage attempts to misuse the RTI framework while ensuring that genuine applicants continue to receive timely access to information. The emphasis remained on maintaining a balance between preventing misuse and protecting the fundamental objective of transparency in public administration.

The Maharashtra State Chief Information Commissioner shared details of changes introduced by the state government in its RTI Rules. Among the amended provisions discussed at the conference was a requirement limiting an RTI application to a single subject and a maximum of 150 words.

Representing Odisha, Shri Manoj Parida outlined the steps taken by the Odisha State Information Commission to tackle pending cases. He highlighted the use of summary proceedings and efforts to avoid unnecessary adjournments as measures that have contributed to faster disposal of matters before the Commission.

The conference also underlined the importance of suo motu disclosure by government departments. Central Information Commissioners called upon state governments and departments to publish more information proactively on their official websites. Making relevant information available to the public without requiring a formal RTI application, they observed, could reduce the number of applications seeking information that is already suitable for public disclosure.

Adequate manpower and institutional resources for State Information Commissions were also discussed. Participants stressed that sufficient staff and infrastructure are essential for ensuring that appeals and complaints are handled efficiently.

Another significant issue considered at the conference was the relationship between the RTI framework and the country’s new personal data protection legislation. The participants discussed the implications of data-protection requirements for access to information and the need for officials to understand the interaction between the two legal frameworks.

The meeting further emphasised the importance of regular training for officials working at the grassroots level. Proper training, participants noted, can help public authorities handle RTI applications more effectively and ensure that statutory responsibilities are understood and followed consistently.

The Hyderabad conference served as a platform for State Information Commissions to exchange practical experiences and examine measures aimed at reducing delays, strengthening transparency and making the RTI system more responsive to citizens.

Report: Sudam Charan Sahu, State Bureau Chief, Odisha
HIT AND HOT NEWS