NEW DELHI: The central information commission is organising its annual convention on December 6 this year.The event, which is one of the few formal interactions between the CIC and stakeholders across the country, will be inaugurated by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu The announcement of the event came amid criticism over the central information commission's (CIC) earlier decision not to host the annual convention.The annual convention is usually held in October, and marks the anniversary celebrations of the transparency legislation.A statement by the department of personnel and training (DoPT), which is the parent department of the CIC, said, "This year the convention follows two seminars held in May and July this year, to discuss 'Implementation of the RTI Act, 2005' and 'Land Records and RTI Act' respectively. "It said that the CIC has invited "well researched" original presentations, including case studies from academicians, practitioners, researchers, NGOs and civil society groups, students and other stakeholders to cover three subjects namely 'Suo-motu disclosures', 'Record keeping' and 'Emerging issues in implementation of RTI Act' for the convention.Slated in October, the convention has previously been inaugurated by the prime minister who gives a speech and sets the agenda for the mega event. However, this time, CIC will have the Vice President doing the honours.CIC had come under fire from RTI activists and civil society for earlier cancelling the event which is seen as the only formal interaction between CIC and various stakeholders from across the country.The convention is held to commemorate the inception of the Right to Information Act, 2005 and takes stock of the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act around the country. The convention is attended by all State Information Commissions besides stakeholders from all across the country.

Source: Times of India November 28, 2017 13:52 UTC