Hyderabad: Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla called for greater transparency through voluntary disclosure of information at the RTI Week celebrations in Hyderabad on Friday. He described the Right to Information (RTI) Act as a pillar of democracy, accountability and public participation.
The Telangana Information Commission organised the 2026 celebrations at Ravindra Bharathi. Addressing the gathering, Shukla said authorities should view RTI applications as expressions of citizens’ concerns, rights and aspirations for justice rather than routine paperwork.
He stressed proactive disclosure under Section 4 of the Act. Accordingly, public authorities should make details of government schemes, policies, eligibility conditions and procedures readily accessible. He also urged Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities to provide clear, reasoned and timely responses.
RTI Week celebrations highlight accessible public information
Shukla stressed that authorities should provide information in Telugu and other local languages. In particular, he called for special attention to rural communities, women, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged sections.
He also advocated the responsible use of artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital record management. These tools, he said, could improve transparency and administrative efficiency. However, he underlined the need to balance transparency with the right to privacy.
The Governor expressed confidence that consultations between States would strengthen the uniform implementation of the RTI Act. Meanwhile, State Chief Information Commissioner Dr. G. Chandrasekhar Reddy outlined the Commission’s progress over the previous 15 months.
RTI Week celebrations recognise officials and departments
During the programme, the Governor presented awards to officials and departments for exemplary performance. Nalgonda Collector B. Chandrashekhar, Mahabubabad Municipal Commissioner Vinod Kumar and TGGENCO CMD S. Harish received honours in the best voluntary disclosure category.
In addition, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Suryapet and Hanamkonda districts received recognition among the best-performing districts. The Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department won the award for the best-performing department.
The Finance Department also received recognition as the best-performing Secretariat department. Furthermore, several Public Information Officers and other officials received awards for their work.
Senior officials attend RTI Week programme
Former Supreme Court judge Justice R. Subhash Reddy and DGP C.V. Anand attended the event. Special Chief Secretary Benhur Mahesh Datt Ekkа, Finance Department Special Chief Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vinay Kumar were also present.
State Information Commissioners P.V. Srinivasa Rao, Mohsina Parveen, Desala Bhupal and Vaishnavi Merla joined the programme. Senior government officials, Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities also attended.