Opening Date of Call for Nominations – 1st June 2009
Last date for Receipt of Nominations – 30th June 2009
Date for Award Ceremony —-To be declared (November, 2009)
The National RTI Awards 2009, instituted this year by Public Cause Research Foundation (PCRF), aims to honor every year starting the year 2009, those Information Commissioners, Public Information Officers and Citizens who display exemplary commitment towards the Right to Information Act, 2005. Each award will carry a citation, a plaque and prize money of Rs. 2 Lakhs.
Motivation for the RTI Awards
Despite the power of RTI to transform Indian democracy, the Act faces stiff opposition from many sections of the government, particularly the bureaucracy. For example many Officers are not performing satisfactorily. Some Information Commissioners, who are the final adjudicating authority under the Act, are perceived to be sympathetic to bureaucrats. But there are many among the bureaucrats who are committed to transparency and honesty. They go over and beyond the call of duty to implement the RTI Act in letter and spirit.
Award Ceremony
The Award Ceremony is an opportunity for us to recognize the winners of this year’s awards in person. We intend to give this ceremony maximum visibility across the country and the world. We are privileged to have the support of NDTV, Hindustan Times, Dainik Jagran, Mathrubhumi, Andhra Jyoti, Deshonnati, Dhoritri in this endeavor. Our panel of jurors will be attending the event (schedule permitting) to personally congratulate the winners. A national level dignitary (to be announced) will be the Chief Guest for the ceremony. The Awards Ceremony will be held in November 2009 in New Delhi. Exact date of the event is yet to be finalized.
Eligibility Criteria
Award for the Best Citizen of the Year
Eligibility Criteria: Any Indian citizen who has filed one or more RTI Application/s and has either:
Received a response to his/her RTI application(s) on or before 31st December 2008, or
Never received any response to his/her RTI application till 30th May 2009
And, feels that his/her application has created substantial public impact, is eligible to apply for the Best Citizen of the year Award.
Award for the Best Public Information Officer of the Year
Eligibility: Any government officer who has worked as a Public Information Officer (PIO) for any period of time during the calendar year 2008 (1st January 2008 to 31st December 2008) is eligible.
Award for the Best Information Commissioner of the Year
Information Commissioners need not apply. All Information Commissioners are automatic nominees
For any queries, please call 9711222577 or at 0120 2771017
