Panaji, July 21: The Goa Department of Personnel has issued a circular directing all Heads of Departments, Public Information Officers (PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) to strictly comply with the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, following serious concerns raised by the Goa State Information Commission.

According to the circular dated July 6, 2026, the Information Commission observed that several PIOs have displayed negligence, disregard and laxity while handling RTI applications. It noted that some officers fail to attend hearings before the Appellate Authorities and do not comply with orders passed by the First Appellate Authorities, forcing applicants to approach the Goa State Information Commission through second appeals.

The circular also points out that certain First Appellate Authorities have failed to dispose of first appeals within the time limits prescribed under the RTI Act, 2005.

Expressing its displeasure over the casual and lackadaisical approach of both PIOs and FAAs, the Goa State Information Commission has stressed the need for greater accountability in implementing the RTI Act.

In view of these observations, the Department of Personnel has instructed all Heads of Departments, First Appellate Authorities and Public Information Officers to discharge their statutory responsibilities under the RTI Act, 2005 in its true letter and spirit.

The circular, signed by Durga Kinlekar, Under Secretary (Personnel-II), has been circulated to all government departments, corporations and autonomous bodies for strict compliance.