‘Random RTI queries affect CPSEs’ productivity badly’

Rising instances of people seeking irrelevant clarifications related to matters of central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) under the RTI Act are affecting their overall productivity, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) on Friday said.

The apex body of public sector undertakings has written to all the units asking for a list of habitual seekers of such queries that may largely be for their self-interest.

Once the list is obtained, the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) will take up the matter with the Information Commissioner.

"There are a large number of habitual seekers of irrelevant clarifications under RTI, which is affecting the productivity of CPSEs," said Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) Director General U D Choubey.

Acknowledging that the RTI Act has benefited CPSEs, Choubey said there are many issues of concern that need to be addressed effectively.

He emphasized on a level-playing field between government and non-government sectors on the principle of equity, especially when the listed private player/NGO is holding public money through shareholders and financial institutions.

At the two-day national meet on RTI Act, 2005, organised by Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad asked appellate authorities to take timely decisions to bring down the number of RTI applications.