ITANGAR, Aug 11: State Chief Information Commissioner, Major General Jarken Gamlin, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd.), called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt General KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.), at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar, on 11th August 2026. The State Chief Information Commissioner submitted the Annual Report of the Arunachal Pradesh State Information Commission and briefed the Governor on the Commission’s recent initiatives, achievements, challenges and future roadmap for strengthening transparency and citizen-centric governance in the State.

Highlighting the transformative role of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Governor emphasized the need to move from a system of ‘Information on Demand’ to one of ‘Information by Default’. He stated that proactive disclosure under Section 4 of the RTI Act is the most effective way to promote openness and reduce the need for citizens to seek information through formal applications. He advised all departments to regularly publish key public information, including budgets, development project progress, beneficiary details, recruitment notifications, tender processes, land allotments, welfare schemes and important administrative decisions on their official websites. To ensure greater compliance, he suggested launching a State-wide Proactive Disclosure Compliance Drive supported by periodic audits of public authorities.

The Governor also underscored the importance of modern record management and digital governance. Observing that efficient record keeping is the backbone of transparency, he advocated a mission-mode programme for digitization of government records, integration with e-Office systems and creation of searchable digital repositories across departments.

Emphasizing capacity building, the Governor advised the Commission to institutionalize quarterly training programmes for Public Information Officers, Assistant Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities, focusing on statutory timelines, exemptions, proactive disclosure obligations and citizen-friendly responses. He said that the State Information Commission should evolve beyond its appellate role and emerge as a leading institution promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.

State Chief Information Commissioners Shri Vijay Taram, Shri Khopey Thaley, Shri Dani Gamboo and Shri Sangyal Tsering Bappu, Secretary-cum-Registrar Shri Sode Potom and Deputy Registrar Smti Priscilla Tayeng were also present in the meeting. (PRO to Governor)