Right to Information (RTI)

What is RTI?

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 you?

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 Irrigation Department facilitate RTI?

Irrigation Department South Punjab 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, Irrigation Department South Punjab has taken following immediate actions to join hands with RTI Commission Punjab

PIO Cell, Irrigation Department South Punjab
Right to information is an important pre-requisite for the smooth functioning of a democratic order and good governance. It plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the citizens and the state. It empowers the citizens to participate in policy making, planning and implementation processes by making suggestions and pointing out weaknesses in a timely manner for efficient working of government.

In view of the above, right to information was recognized as a fundamental right by Government of Pakistan by including Article 19-A in the constitution in 2010. For smooth execution of this rudimentary right, the Government of Punjab enacted the “Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013. This act provides an accessible and efficient procedure along with an implementation technique for access to information. The Punjab Information Commission has been established for efficient implementation of RTI Act.

The main objective of RTI Act is to provide for transparency and freedom of information in the Punjab. It provides improved access to information to citizens and make the government more accountable to them. In a nutshell, main purpose of this act is to provide information for people, by people and through people.

Irrigation Department South Punjab being mindful of its responsibility has taken all the essential steps to ensure RTI Act implementation. A PIO Cell has been established Irrigation Department South Punjab for smooth functioning of Right to information Act.

What is the Procedure of Applications regarding RTI in Irrigation Department?

“Dear citizen, please enclose your application having following details u/rule/10 (2) of PT&RTIA, 2013 and rule-5(4) under duties of PIO, so that your application may be entertained as per law. Please send your application by post / by email/ submit by hand to relevant office. You are informed that you can request to obtain desired information for 1 year only u / rule 10(c).”

• Copy of Identity Card
• Cell No
• Email address
• Mailing address

Public are also advised to visit RTI Punjab Commission website and fill the online application form to directly submit the application to Commission.