Right to Information Act – 2005

The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act, 2005) is an important legislation that guarantees the legal right of citizens of India to obtain information relating to the functioning of public authorities. The primary objectives of the Act are to ensure transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance.

The Act plays an important role in the functioning of Local Self-Government Institutions such as Kunnamkulam Municipality. Citizens can seek information, as permitted under the Act, regarding municipal administrative procedures, development projects, utilisation of funds, budgets, expenditure, contracts, progress of projects, official decisions, and other matters of public interest.

Major Features

 

  • Right to Information for Citizens: Indian citizens have the right to obtain information held by or under the control of public authorities.

  • Transparent Governance: The Act promotes greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of government institutions.

  • Public Information Officer (PIO): Public authorities appoint Public Information Officers to receive RTI applications and provide the required information to citizens.

  • Time Limit: Normally, information is required to be provided within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application. Where the information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, it is generally required to be provided within 48 hours.

  • Appeal Mechanism: If information is not provided, or if incomplete information is provided, the applicant may approach the First Appellate Authority and subsequently the State or Central Information Commission, as applicable.

  • Proactive Disclosure of Information: Public authorities are required to proactively disclose important information relating to their organisation, functions, responsibilities, decision-making procedures, and financial matters.

  • Exemptions under the Act: Certain categories of information, including matters relating to national security, personal privacy, and other information specifically exempted under the Act, are subject to restrictions.

 

The Right to Information Act, 2005 provides an important legal foundation for ensuring transparent and accountable governance in Kunnamkulam Municipality. By enabling citizens to obtain information relating to municipal administration, development projects, financial transactions, utilisation of funds, project implementation, and public services, the Act strengthens public participation and social accountability.

Effective implementation of the RTI mechanism contributes to preventing corruption, improving transparency in administration, and strengthening public confidence in local governance. Thus, the Right to Information Act plays a significant role in promoting participatory, transparent, accountable, and people-oriented urban governance.

In all Local Self-Government Institutions, a Public Information Officer (PIO) and a First Appellate Authority are generally designated for providing information to the public under the RTI Act. Normally, the head of each respective section of the Municipal Office functions as the Public Information Officer for matters relating to that section, while the Municipal Secretary generally functions as the Appellate Authority.

 

Kerala State RTI Portal:
https://rtiportal.kerala.gov.in

 

Public Information Officers – Kunnamkulam Municipality

 

1. General Administration Section

Smt. Sreelekha G. R.
General Superintendent
Phone: 9995778637

2. Public Works Section

Shri. Manaj Mohammed P. H.
Assistant Engineer
Phone: 9446426990

3. Health Section

Shri. Sunil M.
Clean City Manager in Charge
Phone: 8078769535

4. Revenue / Tax Section

Shri. Pramod Shekhar M.
Revenue Superintendent
Phone: 8547412390

5. Birth, Death and Common Marriage Registration Section

Shri. Tajudheen S.
Senior Public Health Inspector, Grade I
Phone: 9446320557

 

Office Address

Public Information Officer
Kunnamkulam Municipality Office
Kunnamkulam P.O.
Thrissur District
Kerala – 680503