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राष्ट्रिय सूचना आयोगलाई प्राप्त भएका चिठीपत्र र टिप्पणी
आयोगको गठनमा फ्रिडम फोरमको असन्तुष्टिको प्रेस विज्ञप्ति
Press Release
Freedom Forum Expresses Dissatisfaction over the Formation Process of National Information Commission
Freedom Forum, the leading organization in the Right to Information (RTI) movement in Nepal, welcomes the formation of National Information Commission (NIC) however it came into existence after 10 months of the promulgation of much-awaited Right to Information Act-2007 and, at the same time, expresses dissatisfaction regarding the time, formation process and persons appointed in the post of commissioners of NIC.
The Nepal government has on April 22, 2008 decided to appoint Binaya Kumar Kasaju as the chief commissioner and Shree Acharya and Sabita Baral as commissioners of NIC.
It is the matter of dissatisfaction since the process of the formati0on of NIC does not involve transparency and maturity on the part of the government. The government has underestimated the essence and importance of the commission as it has formed it long after the Act came and on the other, appointed commissioners do have no specific knowledge and distinct experience on RTI movement and nor are they from the judicial administration background.
Likewise, the commissioners have been made based on their political affiliation which significantly raises the question of its independence, effectiveness and efficiency. The Forum is suspicious towards the competence and performance of the commission on the way to implementing RTI thereby guaranteeing freedom of information to all Nepalese people.
The Forum also demands that the details of the property, association, capability and other details of the commissioners to be made public before taking up any responsibility in this regard and extends wishes to the newly-formed commission that it could execute necessary works accordingly.
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Tara Nath Dahal
Chairperson
Freedom Forum
Kathmandu, Nepal
May 27, 2008
फ्रिडम फोरमले २०६५ असोज १७ गते लेखेको पत्र र त्यसलाई इमेलबाट अंग्रेजी भाषामा सार्वजनिक गरिएको पत्रः
Information Demanded on NIC and Office-bearers
Keeping in mind that the impartiality, neutrality and judicial conscience of National Information Commission should regularly be scrutinized as it is the public body having open access to all information and records of the State, Freedom Forum has registered an application demanding official information about the Commission and its office-bearers as per the Right to Information (RTI) Act-2008.
It is the genuine public concern since the Commission is the authorized body to promote and enforce Right to Information (RTI) and to dispense justice when public concern information are not provided on demand. Likewise, it is assumed that office-bearers of the Commission should not live up to active professional and political life even after the completion of their term.
But, it has come to the public about the involvement and affiliation of Chief Commissioner and Commissioners to in sectors. It has raised numerous queries on the image, judiciary responsibility and neutrality of the Commission. In this connection, the Forum realize that it is the responsibility of the organization constantly advocating for the RTI to show right path to the Commission and its office-bearers
In this course, Freedom Forum has requested the Commission in writing to provide information on the following issues concerning office-bearers within 15 days.
- Details of property owned by Chief Commissioner and Commissioners.
- Designation and responsibility taken up in any organizations they are affiliated to.
- Affiliation and responsibility shouldered up in any media.
- Position if s/he is affiliated to any political parties and their organizations and associations.
- Monthly remuneration they entitle to get from the Commission.
- Other income sources.
Contact For Details:
Krishna Sapkota
Media Officer
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Email date: Oct. 3, 008 |
