What is Right to Information?
The Government of the Punjab has implemented a series of measures to strengthen service delivery and citizen satisfaction. The Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 makes it mandatory for the public bodies to provide stipulated government held information to the public. The Industries, Commerce, Investment & Skills Development Department is proactively providing the information for citizens under RTI.
The Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013
Under Article 19-A of the Constitution, RTI (Right to information) is a fundamental right of every citizen of Pakistan to have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restriction imposed by law. A citizen in addition to a government department can also have access to information of a private body which is substantially financed by the government. RTI is based upon the principle that citizens being tax payers are owners of public information. RTI boosts transparency, accountability, elimination of corruption and improvement of public service delivery.
How RTI can help?
The information got through RTI enables citizens to hold public officials accountable for their actions, to comment upon their performance, to conduct survey on the basis of data received through RTI and to indicate gaps and weaknesses of public bodies.
The government also benefits from RTI by becoming aware of gaps and weaknesses of public bodies. RTI also helps public officials by making it easier for them to carry out their duties more efficiently.
How Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Facilitates RTI?
Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) was established under the PPRA Ordinance, 2007 which was later on converted into a permanent legislation as Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Act, 2009 with its major functions as follows:
- Monitor application Law, Rules, Regulation policies, procedures in respect of or related to public procurement, inspection or quality of goods, services and works etc.
- Recommend reformulation and revision of above said Laws Rules Regulations Policies etc.
- Issue guidance and instruction regarding interpretation & implementation of PPRA Act / Rules / Regulations.
- Develop promote and support training and professional development policy of persons engaged in public procurement.
PPRA considers that enlightenment of citizens to hold public officers/officials accountable is legal and ethical right and for this very reason and keeping all the efforts done by RTI Commission to maintain transparency, PPRA has taken following immediate actions to join hands in hands with RTI Commission Punjab.