07-10-2026:Governor participated as the Chief Guest in a programme organised at Lok Bhavan to mark the 21st anniversary of the RTI Act, 2005.

Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note

Lok Bhavan Dehradun 07 October, 2026

Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) participated as the Chief Guest in a programme organised at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday to mark the 21st anniversary of the Right to Information Act, 2005. On the occasion, he felicitated the winners of the Dr. R.S. Tolia State-Level Right to Information Act Debate Competition–2026.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that the Right to Information is not merely a means of obtaining information from a government office; it provides citizens with an opportunity to understand governance, ask questions and ensure their participation in the system. He said that the Right to Information is an important foundation for transparency, accountability and citizen empowerment.

The Governor said that over time, there has been a significant change in the way information and governance are perceived. Earlier, confidentiality was given greater importance in governance and administration, whereas today, transparency and accountability have become integral to a democratic system. He said the more transparent and accountable the functioning of the government and administration, the more effective and robust the governance system will be. He emphasised that this is not the responsibility of any one individual or institution, but a collective responsibility of the entire nation.

The Governor said that in the 21st century, technology has transformed the entire landscape of information. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, space technology, cyber technology and data analytics have made access to information easier and faster than ever before. He emphasised that as the country moves towards the goal of a developed India by 2047, the responsible and judicious use of these technologies will be crucial.

The Governor called upon the State Information Commission to move forward in effectively leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in accordance with changing technological circumstances. He said technology should be used to make citizens’ access to information simpler, faster and more transparent. The use of AI and digital platforms can help take RTI-related information, guidance and awareness to a much wider section of society.

He particularly emphasised the need to enhance awareness about the Right to Information in remote and hilly areas and to strengthen citizen participation and representation in these regions. The Governor said it must be ensured that citizens living in remote areas of Uttarakhand have complete information about their Right to Information as well as the necessary facilities to exercise it. He said that through technology and public awareness, the reach of the Information Commission can be extended to the remotest parts of the state.

On the occasion, Chief Information Commissioner Smt. Radha Raturi briefed the gathering about the functioning and activities of the Commission. Information Commissioner Shri Dalip Singh Kunwar, former Information Commissioner Yogesh Bhatt, Secretary Shri Rajendra Kumar, Secretary, State Information Commission, Shri Raza Abbas, Additional Secretary Smt. Reena Joshi, along with students from various schools and colleges, were present at the programme.
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