The Gujarat government has made significant strides in implementing the Right to Information Act of 2005. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability in public administration. On May 13, 2025, the government announced new guidelines that will simplify and expedite the process of providing information to citizens.
The key highlights of these changes include the provision of free information up to five pages. Citizens can now request information through email or online platforms, and the government will send the requested information electronically. This move is expected to reduce paperwork and make the process more efficient.
Additionally, when a citizen requests inspection of records, they will only be allowed to take photographs of the information rather than receiving physical copies. This is part of a broader effort to modernise how public information is managed and accessed.
The Gujarat Information Commission presented its annual administrative report for 2023-24 to the state assembly. Based on this report, several recommendations were made to the government, which were accepted. The government is now working on classifying government records properly and making them accessible on official websites.
As part of the proactive disclosure policy, each public authority is required to update information regularly according to the guidelines set forth in the Right to Information Act. This information will include records related to illegal constructions and details of permits, licenses, and authorisations granted by the government.
Moreover, to keep citizens informed about the progress of their applications, the government will implement a system to send automatic updates via messages or emails at each stage of the approval process. This initiative aims to keep citizens informed and aware of their applications without needing to visit government offices.
These changes are a part of the Gujarat government’s commitment to good governance and to ensure that citizens can easily access information. The state has expressed gratitude to the Gujarat Information Commission for their efforts in promoting the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act.
The goal of these initiatives is to empower citizens by providing them with timely and relevant information. The government believes that informed citizens can participate more actively in the democratic process and hold public officials accountable.
In conclusion, the Gujarat government’s new guidelines are a significant step towards improving governance through transparency. By embracing technology and streamlining processes, the government aims to enhance the overall experience for citizens seeking information and ensure that their rights under the Right to Information Act are upheld.
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