The J&K RTI Online Portal, recently launched with much fanfare, was expected to revolutionize access to information and strengthen transparency in governance. Unfortunately, the execution of this otherwise commendable initiative leaves much to be desired. A series of glaring design and operational flaws threaten to undermine the very purpose of the portal and must be urgently addressed.
The first misstep lies in the portal’s unwelcoming homepage. Instead of providing clarity and reassurance to users, it greets them with a warning not to file RTI requests related to central or other state government departments. While technically accurate, this message is misplaced and confusing. A concise and inviting introduction to the portal’s purpose would serve far better than this off-putting disclaimer.
The process itself is riddled with unnecessary hurdles. For example, users are forced to upload a PDF document when submitting their RTI requests, even though they are already required to enter the details in a designated text box. This redundant step complicates the process, particularly for those unfamiliar with creating and uploading documents. Comparisons with the Central RTI Online Portal—which makes document uploads optional—highlight this as an avoidable and user-unfriendly oversight.
Another significant flaw is the lack of error validation during the submission process. If a user makes a mistake, they are redirected to an error page and forced to restart the entire process. This is not just inefficient but also discouraging for applicants, especially when simple on-page error correction could resolve such issues seamlessly.
Perhaps the most glaring omission is the failure to onboard Jammu and Kashmir Bank to the portal. As a public authority under the RTI Act, the Bank’s exclusion is unjustifiable. Citizens expect a centralized platform where they can file RTI requests for all eligible entities within the Union Territory, and leaving out a critical institution like J&K Bank undermines the portal’s credibility and effectiveness.
Moreover, the portal does not send email confirmations for submitted applications, relying solely on SMS notifications. This is a significant gap, as an email record serves as an official reference for applicants and adds a layer of transparency to the process. Incorporating this feature would not only reassure users but also align the portal with best practices seen in other RTI systems.
The policy regarding non-refundable fees for applications submitted to authorities not integrated into the portal is another issue that warrants immediate correction. It is unfair to penalize users for administrative shortcomings. All public authorities should be onboarded without delay, and mechanisms must be implemented to redirect applications to the appropriate departments where necessary.
The J&K RTI Online Portal has immense potential to empower citizens and enhance governance. However, these flaws, if left unaddressed, will erode public confidence and reduce the portal to a symbolic initiative with little practical utility. The administration must act swiftly to resolve these issues, ensuring that the portal truly serves as a tool for accountability and transparency. Anything less would represent a missed opportunity to strengthen democracy and public trust in governance.
