RTI to give priority to senior citizens,differently abled

The state RTI commission has passed a resolution considering the suggestion made by NGO Gandhinagar Saher Vasahat Mandal to give first priority to disposal of complaints and appeals made by senior citizens and physically challenged people.

The resolution said that the commission resolved that appeals under Section 19 and complaints under Section 18(1) and (2) of the RTI Act,filled by a citizen falling in either or both of the following categories,shall be entertained and heard by the Gujarat commission on special priority basis.

A senior citizen who has attained the age of 65 years on the day of his making the application to the commission will get this benefit,as well as citizens who have not less than 40% of disability as defined under Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,Protection of Rights and Full Participation),Act,1995.

R.N.Das,State Chief Information Commissioner,said,”Considering the special needs of senior citizens and the physically challenged,we have decided to hear them on first priority basis. Due to various reasons and pendency,sometime it takes more time to address the appeals and complaints of senior citizens and physically challenged.”