Odisha Information Commission Achieves Record Disposal Rate Under New Leadership
The landscape of the Right to Information (RTI) administration in the state is undergoing a massive transformation. In a significant achievement for transparency advocates, the backlog of appeals and complaints at the Odisha Information Commission has seen a dramatic decline. Over the last seven months, the number of pending cases has dropped from a staggering 22,611 down to just 14,000.
Targeting the Backlog
Previously, the Commission struggled with a mounting pile of cases due to hearing limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of personnel, as it was operating with only two commissioners. However, the tide turned in April 2025 following the change in government, which saw the appointment of four new Additional Information Commissioners and the new State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC), Shri Manoj Parida.
According to SCIC Manoj Parida, the Commission has adopted an aggressive approach to clear the backlog by conducting hearings throughout the week. To further expedite matters, a special drive is effectively targeting old cases, while the frequency of adjournments has been severely restricted5. The Commission is also leveraging technology, with a marked increase in adjudications conducted via video conferencing.
Landmark Decisions for Transparency
Recent months have witnessed historic judgments that empower job seekers. Shri Manoj Parida has directed the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to disclose interview marks for all candidates in every test. Similarly, the Staff Selection Commission has been mandated to reveal marks secured by candidates in computer and typing proficiency tests8.
Shift in Policy and Administration
The Commission is refining its operational philosophy. Rather than intimidating Public Information Officers (PIOs) with heavy penalties, the focus has shifted to ensuring information is actually supplied9. Fines are now reserved strictly for officials who display habitual and deliberate negligence10. Furthermore, to prevent the system from being clogged, restrictions have been placed on individuals who misuse the RTI Act by filing hundreds of repetitive applications.
Future Roadmap
The Commission has set an ambitious target to reduce pendency to a mere few thousand by the end of next year, ensuring that applicants do not wait longer than 30 days for a resolution. To support this, the SCIC has requested the government to appoint senior, competent officials as PIOs and has urged the Chief Secretary to mandate quarterly reviews of RTI matters by District Collectors.
Highlighting the strict stance on accountability, the Commission noted that in recent years, it has levied fines totaling Rs 1.47 crores against erring officials and recommended disciplinary action in 1,857 instances.
