Information commissioners pull up SDA over ‘transparency lapses’
IV Report
KARACHI: Information Commissioners of the Sindh Information
Commission (SIC) carried out an inspection of the Sehwan Development Authority
(SDA) headquarters in Jamshoro, expressing concern over the authority’s failure
to comply with key transparency requirements under the Sindh Right to
Information and Transparency Act, 2016.
Information Commissioners Muhammad
Saleem Khan and Noor Muhammad Dayo visited the SDA head office under Section
13(4) of the Act, where they examined records related to development projects,
budget allocations, staffing and other administrative matters, including the
authority’s record room.
During
the visit, the commissioners expressed displeasure over the non-functioning
website of the SDA and directed the Director General to make it operational at
the earliest, with proactive disclosure of information as required under
Section 6 of the Act. They also warned officials that non-compliance with
directives issued by the Sindh Information Commission could attract penal
consequences, according to an official handout.
Commissioner Noor Muhammad Dayo
cautioned that non-disclosure or concealment of information attracts penalties
under Sections 15 and 16 of the Act. He further directed that any change in the
designated information officer must be promptly reported to the commission to
keep official records updated.
The
Director General of SDA tendered an unconditional apology for failing to
provide the required information despite earlier directives of the commission
and assured full compliance in future. He also requested the withdrawal of a
show-cause notice issued to him. Taking a lenient view, the commissioners
ordered the withdrawal of the notice, the handout added.
Photos
courtesy: Officials
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