AP Information Commission celebrates RTI Week as TWO Decades completed

The RTI Act completes 20 years: AP Information Commission celebrates RTI Week

Commission reaffirms commitment to transparency and citizen empowerment

Mangalagiri, Guntur, October 10, 2025:The Andhra Pradesh State Information Commission celebrated 20 years of the Right to Information Act, 2005, by organizing RTI Week celebrations in a grand manner. Legal experts, public figures, and officials participated in the event and discussed the importance of the RTI Act in strengthening transparency, accountability, and good governance in a democratic society.

Former High Court Judge Justice Telaprolu Rajani attended as the chief guest and delivered an inspiring speech on the origins and principles behind the RTI Act. She praised social activist Aruna Roy for her instrumental role in shaping the law that empowered citizens to seek information and hold governments accountable.

Justice Rajani said that laws like the Right to Information Act ensure public accountability and deepen democracy. She reminded that under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, the right to information is a fundamental right closely linked to the freedom of expression. She also appreciated the efforts of the staff of the Andhra Pradesh Information Commission for their dedication to resolving public grievances and spreading awareness about the Act.

Former Information Commissioner Kakarla Chennareddy, who also participated in the event, shared valuable suggestions to make the Commission’s functioning more efficient. He emphasized the need to clear pending cases quickly to maintain public confidence in the system.

Information Commissioner P. Samuel Jonathan explained the measures he has taken to simplify the Commission’s procedures. He said that best practices introduced by former Central Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya are being implemented in Andhra Pradesh, including a system that aims to resolve cases on the same day whenever possible.

Another Information Commissioner, Dr. Chavali Sunil, detailed the wide-ranging awareness programs conducted across the state. He said that more than 900 sessions have been held so far, reaching over one lakh citizens. He added that the Commission will continue to expand these efforts to ensure the message of RTI reaches every village in the state.

Dr. Sunil also noted that thousands of citizens have received justice through his rulings and summed up his philosophy as - “Learn IT, Use IT, and Share IT.”

The RTI Week celebrations not only marked two decades of the RTI journey but also reflected the Commission’s renewed commitment to transparency, accessibility, and public empowerment for the future.