Fafen urges reforms to Punjab's right to information law

The Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) is calling for reforms to improve the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act (PTRIA) of 2013. In a recent policy brief, Fafen highlighted the need for better implementation of this law, which was designed to give citizens the right to information and promote transparency in public bodies. Fafen assessed over 250 government websites in Punjab and found that only about 52% of the required information was available to the public. Alarmingly, 80% of these public bodies were unaware of their obligations under the PTRIA. This disparity indicates a significant gap in understanding and compliance with the law. The PTRIA was established to ensure transparency in public services and mandates that public bodies disclose information about their functions and budgets. However, there are weaknesses in enforcement and compliance. The Punjab Information Commission (PIC) lacks the power to issue binding instructions to public bodies, which limits its ability to enforce transparency effectively. Issues raised by Fafen include vague legal definitions and a lack of digital technology use for information dissemination. Many public bodies also failed to respond within the 14-day time limit for information requests. Furthermore, the PIC operates without sufficient financial support and independence from the provincial government, which can influence its decisions. Fafen recommends specific amendments to strengthen the PTRIA. Proposed changes include refining legal definitions, increasing the accountability of information commissioners, and establishing a dedicated fund for the commission. Fafen also urges the commission to develop an online system for information requests and to enhance privacy protections for whistleblowers. Overall, Fafen believes that these reforms are crucial for ensuring that the right to information is fully realized in Punjab, benefiting both citizens and public institutions.