: How India can end the malaise of ‘missing’ files that open the door to corruption? #IndiaNEWS When I became a Central Information Commissioner, I was able to see why Public Information Officers,

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How India can end the malaise of ‘missing’ files that open the door to corruption? #IndiaNEWS
When I became a Central Information Commissioner, I was able to see why Public Information Officers, despite being conscientious and wanting to give information, often failed to provide it. “Untraceable files� is a common reason for not providing information. Of course, this excuse is also used to deny information that could reveal illegal or arbitrary actions or corruption. It was fairly difficult to gauge when a public information officer was being truthful and when they were lying. Often, a five or 10-year-old file would be missing. It could even have been stolen. But it is difficult to identify when it was misplaced or stolen and fix responsibility. Many individuals, from the top officers to the ordinary workers, have ample opportunity here. If a file is not required immediately, its “missing� status may only be discovered when details are sought through a right to information application. Paper trailThe only reason for keeping records is to refer to them when required. But the way government files are organised and maintained, many records cannot be accessed.Even in the Central Information Commission, which started functioning only in 2005, many files could not be located. The Commission has to send annual reports to Parliament about the number of Right to Information...Read more

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