HYDERABAD, SEPTEMBER 09, 2026: The Telangana Information Commission (TGIC) is organizing a two-day National Conference on “Operational Uniformity in Implementation of RTI: Challenges and Solutions” on 10–11 September 2026 at the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad. The Conference is being sponsored by the National Federation of Information Commissioners in India (NFICI) and organised in collaboration with ASCI.
The Conference is of national significance and will bring together Chief Information Commissioners, Information Commissioners, legal experts, policymakers and senior administrators from across the country. Around 20 State Chief Information Commissioners are expected to participate, many of whom are former Chief Secretaries and senior officers of the IAS and IPS, along with eminent legal professionals, policymakers and senior administrators.
The Hon’ble Governor of Telangana has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony and to deliver the keynote address.
Purpose of the Conference
The Conference will provide a national platform for sharing experiences, examining emerging challenges and deliberating on measures to strengthen the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The central objective is to promote greater consistency, efficiency, transparency and predictability in the functioning of Information Commissions, while ensuring that every case continues to be examined on its own facts and in accordance with the provisions of law.
The Conference will also facilitate the exchange of best practices among Information Commissions and explore practical solutions for improving the delivery of information to citizens.
The Telangana Information Commission acknowledges with appreciation the support and guidance of Sri R. K. Goyal, President, NFICI, and Sri N. Ramesh Kumar, Director General, ASCI, in advancing this important national initiative.
Distinguished Speakers
The Conference will have distinguished speakers, including:
* Sri Heeralal Samaria, Former Central Information Commissioner
* Sri Anil Chandra Punetha, Former Chief Information Commissioner, Chhattisgarh
* Sri Shakeel Ahmed, Former Chief Information Commissioner, Tamil Nadu
The Conference will also feature four panel discussions on important and contemporary issues concerning the implementation of the RTI Act.
Conference Themes
The deliberations will focus on the following key themes:
* Uniformity in procedures and practices
* Reduction of pendency and timely disposal of cases
* Effective hearing mechanisms
* Section 4 – Proactive disclosure
* Digitalisation of RTI processes
* Capacity building of Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities
* Preventing misuse of RTI without restricting legitimate citizen access
* Strengthening the independence and effectiveness of Information Commissions
Operational Uniformity
Operational uniformity is intended to create a clear, consistent, predictable and citizen-friendly RTI experience across the country.
Such uniformity, however, should not result in a rigid or mechanical approach. Each application, appeal and complaint must continue to be considered on its own facts, circumstances and legal requirements.
The Conference will therefore seek to identify areas where greater uniformity can improve efficiency and citizen access, while preserving the discretion necessary for fair and lawful decision-making.
ASCI – An Ideal Institutional Setting
The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, provides an excellent institutional setting for the Conference. Its academic environment, professional expertise and long-standing experience in capacity building offer an atmosphere conducive to serious reflection, professional exchange and constructive dialogue.
NFICI Meetings
The National Conference will be followed by the 34th Meeting of the Governing Board of NFICI and subsequently by the 16th Annual General Body Meeting of NFICI on 12 September 2026.
Dinner Interaction with the Chief Minister
The Chief Minister of Telangana, A Revanth Reddy, will attend a dinner interaction at ASCI on 10 September 2026, along with the Hon’ble Central Chief Information Commissioner and the participating State Chief Information Commissioners.
The interaction will provide an opportunity for an informal exchange of views on strengthening transparency, accountability and the effective implementation of the RTI framework.
Towards a Stronger RTI Framework
The National Conference represents a collective effort to strengthen the institutional framework of the Right to Information Act, 2005 through shared learning, exchange of experiences and adoption of effective practices.
It is envisaged as an important step towards achieving greater operational consistency, faster disposal of cases, improved citizen access to information and enhanced institutional effectiveness.
Ultimately, the objective is to ensure that the RTI Act continues to serve as a strong instrument of transparency, accountability and participatory democracy.
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