The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) held a lecture on the Right to Information (RTI) Act to commemorate International Right to Information Day, which is celebrated annually on September 28. The event took place on September 30 at the Narendra Ballal Auditorium and aimed to highlight the importance of the Act in promoting transparency and accountability in government.

Subhash Basvekar, President of the Information Officers Federation, was the keynote speaker at the event. He emphasized that the RTI Act, now 19 years old, has been instrumental in exposing malpractices within the government and transforming individuals into informed citizens. "The Right to Information has the inherent power to create vigilant citizens who are self-respecting, responsible, honest, and committed to the public interest," Basvekar stated.

He explained that the RTI Act empowers the common man, allowing citizens to request information from public authorities, thus enhancing their understanding of governance. "This law not only raises awareness about citizens' rights but also ensures justice for the common man," he added.

Basvekar also addressed the challenges faced in implementing the Act, noting that many Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Appellate Officers have not fully understood its public orientation. He urged government employees to take the law seriously and recognize its significance in curbing corruption and making governance more people-oriented.

Moreover, he highlighted the necessity for effective records management in government offices to facilitate the timely provision of information requested by citizens. "To create transparent governance, organizing records is essential, enabling easy access to information from any year," Basvekar concluded.