Appeal for Video and Audio Hearing of Cases by Information Commission

To

The  State  Chief  Information Commissioner

Toshali Plaza, satya Nagar, Bhubaneswar 

Sub- Request for  conducting  Video  and Audio Hearing  of  the  Complaint  and Second Appeal cases  by Odisha Information Commission.

 

Sir

My best wishes  for  your safety during  Corona Lockdown.

I had  earlier brought  to your  notice several times that there  was  huge  pending  number  of Complaint and Second Appeal cases  in the Commission  and many of these cases are  pending  since 3 to 4  years  for  disposal. For  a law  which  promises to deliver  information within 30 days , a wait  of years before  the  Commission makes the Law irrelevant. This has also made the PIOs very brazen  in not honouring the citizen’s right to information and made a mockery of the  promise  by parliament.

The Supreme Court has shown the path to  the nation by  holding the hearings  by video conferencing.  I am sure you are aware that the Central Information Commission has  started hearing in cases by using  video conferencing  since long. In  the meantime, many  online web  system  like  skype, Zoom, Google Duo etc.  are  available  for video  conferencing  which  can be used  by the  Commission  for  hearing and disposal of the cases. Google Duo  is a platform  in which  upto 12  participants can join. 

Due  to COVID Lockdown , the whole  nation has  suffered  and the  Govt. system  has been  paralysed. The  Govt.  has  imposed   a lot  of  restrictions   on  movement  of the  people , vehicles ,  transport system  etc.  and  forcing  the  people  to stay at home.  Social distancing  has become  norm  in our  life. The  people  also  feel  frightened  to come  out from home  to get  infected  by  Corona virus.

So, I request  you  to develop  system of  video  or  audio  conferencing  for  hearing  of the  Complaint and Second Appeal cases  by using  these latest Appps and  send  order  in whatsapp apart from putting  them in website. It  will be  easiest  method  to  quickly  dispose  the  cases  by allowing  the  complainants/ appellants/ respondents   to stay at  home / office.  In case  of the  complainant/  respondents     having  no such Android Mobile   facility, Video  conferencing  can be  conducted  with them  through Gramsat  or system  which are  available  in Gram Panchayat  and  Block  office.  I am  giving  a video conference  hearing  for  your  reference https//youtu.be/digatNLtqmo. I  request you  to do this to ensure  uninterrupted  service  to  the  citizens.

I hope to get  positive response  from  you.

With  regards

Pradip Pradhan

State  Convener

Odisha Soochana Adhikar Abhijan

M-9937843482

Date-1.5. 20