Right To Information Act - 2005
The Right to Information Act came into force on October 12, 2005, with the aim of making information held by public authorities accessible to all citizens, enhancing transparency and credibility in the functioning of public authorities, ensuring accountability to the public, and eradicating corruption. The Act applies to all authorities and institutions established or constituted under the Constitution, by laws enacted by the Lok Sabha or State Legislatures, or through government notifications, as well as non-governmental organizations receiving any form of government funding. The Act stipulates that every citizen has the right to inspect work, documents, or records held by government institutions or government-aided institutions; to take notes or extracts from such documents or records; to obtain certified copies and certified samples of materials; and to access information stored in computers or similar electronic systems in the form of printouts, floppies, disks, tapes, video cassettes, etc.
Public Information Officers and Assistant Public Information Officers have been appointed in all government offices. Anyone seeking information must submit an application, accompanied by a fee of ₹10, to the concerned Public Information Officer. Applications may be submitted either in writing or through electronic means. If an individual is unable to submit a written application, the Public Information Officer must assist them by recording the details they provide and preparing the application. Applicants are not required to disclose the reason for seeking the information; only a contact address needs to be provided. The government has prescribed fees for obtaining information and documents. However, individuals living below the poverty line are exempt from paying the prescribed fee, provided they produce proof of their status.
The Public Information Officer must provide the requested information to the applicant within 30 days of receiving the application. If the application is received through an Assistant Public Information Officer, the information must be provided within 35 days. However, if the requested information concerns a person's life or liberty, it must be provided within 48 hours. The law also provides an appeal mechanism for individuals who do not receive the requested information or who receive incomplete or incorrect information. Furthermore, the law stipulates disciplinary action against the concerned official if information is not provided in accordance with the legal requirements. The State Information Commission is the authority responsible for implementing the Right to Information Act, resolving related complaints, and initiating penal actions.
An Information Officer and an Appellate Authority are designated in every local body to make information available to the public. Typically, the head of each section within the municipal office serves as the Public Information Officer, while the Municipal Secretary acts as the Appellate Authority.
State Information Commission Website -http://keralasic.gov.in/
State Information Commission Email : sic@kerala.nic.in
Public Information Officers- Kodungallur Municipality
General Section
SINTH K SUDHAN (Superintendent)
Mob: 9544257533
Engineering Section
Sameera M M (Assistant Engineer)
Mob: 9562504914
Revenue Section
REMYA P SUSEEL (Superintendent)
Mob: 9400843244
Health Section
JAGANNATH P M(Clean City Manager in Charge)
Mob: 9847699076
Births, Deaths and Marriages(Civil Registration)
JAGANNATH P M (Senior Public Health Inspector Grade I)
Mob: 9497248634
Methala Zonal Office
BALU K S(Superintendent)
Mob: 9446195538
