RTI Week 2026: Pune PMC Directs Departments to Clear Pending RTI Applications, Appeals
Pune, 7th October 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a special drive to clear pending Right to Information (RTI) applications and first appeals, directing all departments to dispose of them on priority during RTI Week from October 5 to 12.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajit Nair has instructed all departments to take up pending RTI applications and first appeals and ensure their timely disposal. The move comes amid concerns over delays in providing information to citizens and a growing number of first appeals.
The civic administration has also reminded departments of their obligations under Section 4 of the RTI Act, which requires public authorities to proactively disclose specified information so that citizens do not have to file RTI applications to obtain it.
Under the latest directions, departments have been asked to update this information and prominently display it on the PMC website and notice boards. The names, contact numbers and email addresses of Public Information Officers (PIOs) and appellate authorities must also be displayed prominently in each department.
The PMC has further directed PIOs to attend hearings before the State Information Commission on time and comply with orders issued by the commission.
Officials have also been reminded that failure to provide information within the prescribed period, refusal to provide information or furnishing incorrect information can attract penalties under Section 20 of the RTI Act.
The administration has set October 14 as the deadline for departments to submit details of the RTI Week exercise. The report will include the number of pending RTI applications and first appeals, along with details of those disposed of during the week.
Focus on proactive disclosure
The PMC’s emphasis on Section 4 is significant as the provision requires public authorities to make specified information available proactively. This is intended to reduce the need for citizens to repeatedly approach departments through RTI applications.
The administration has asked departments to ensure that such information remains updated and easily accessible to citizens.
The week-long exercise will therefore focus not only on clearing the existing backlog but also on improving the system through which citizens access information from the civic body.
The PMC’s October 14 report is expected to provide a department-wise picture of pending applications and appeals cleared during the drive, as well as the steps taken to improve proactive disclosure.
