Shillong, Sep 29: Social activist Greneth M Sangma has filed an appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA), Department of Health & Family Welfare against partial disclosure of information under the RTI Act, 2005 regarding the recruitment of AYUSH Medical Officer.
According to Sangma, the reply issued by the District Medical & Health Officer-cum-Member Secretary, District AYUSH Society, South Garo Hills on September 26 is unsatisfactory and incomplete as names and addresses of the candidates were not disclosed and ambiguity on the reservation policy
“In view of recurring concerns regarding possible submission of fabricated or non-genuine documents, particularly from outside the State (notably Assam), disclosure of these details is imperative to ensure transparency and accountability in the recruitment process. Balancing the right to privacy with the larger public interest, the disclosure of such information becomes essential to uphold the integrity of the selection process,” Sangma said.
He stated that the PIO did not clarify the precise nature and application of the reservation policy in the recruitment. A clear explanation of the applicable reservation norms, including category-wise distribution, is necessary to ascertain compliance with the constitutional and statutory provisions governing recruitment, he added.
Sangma urged the FAA to direct the PIO to reconsider the disclosure of names and addresses of the candidates and clarify on the reservation policy followed by ensuring that the principles of transparency and accountability are upheld while duly weighing privacy concerns.
