Information Commission instructs universities to implement RTI laws

Published On: January 15, 2024 11:55 AM NPT By: RSS

KATHMANDU, Jan 15: The National Information Commission (NIC) has issued an order in the name of universities operational in Nepal to adhere to the Right to Information (RTI) laws of the country.

The NIC has instructed the existing 16 universities in Nepal, including Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Purbanchal University, and Pokhara University to follow and implement RTI provisions in their institutions, stated a press release issued by the NIC on Sunday.

The NIC has instructed the universities and the institutions associated with them to designate public information officers, disclose their name, post, phone or mobile number, and necessary details, ensure proactive disclosure of information every three months, provide request information and prepare and disclose information requested and provided.

"The universities also are the public agencies obliged to educate students about fundamental freedoms such as the right to information. They are obligated to adhere to and execute the RTI laws by undertaking further research and study in this regard. Likewise, the independent entities within the universities, including institutes, centers, dean offices, and constituent institutions are also responsible for complying with and implementing the RTI", the press release stated.

In addition, the NIC has ordered several public agencies under the Bagmati Province government to fully adhere to the RTI provisions such as designating public information officers, and proactively disclosing the information of public importance.

Article 27 of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 guarantees every citizen's right to seek and receive information on any matter of his or her interest or of public interest. Each public agency must implement the provisions specified in the Right to Information Act, 2007 and Rule, 2009 in line with the spirit of the constitutional arrangement.

The constitutionally and legally guaranteed Right to Information laws are considered spectacular to make the functions of the state more open and transparent under the democratic system and develop an informed citizenry.