During the last three
years, several steps have been taken by the Government to ensure
greater transparency. 90 facilitation centers have been set up
by ministries, departments and organizations of the Central Government
to provide information and assistance to the public regarding
the schemes and procedures of the organizations concerned. Also
71 Central organizations have issued citizens charters reflecting
the commitment of the concerned ministries, departments or agencies
to provide specific services within the timeframe specified. Some
ministries and departments have also developed their own websites
for promotion of E-governance.
With a view to introducing
greater transparency and openness in the functioning of Government
and public bodies, Government had introduced ‘Freedom of information
Bill, 2000’ in Lok Sabha on July 25, 2000. The Bill, as introduced
in the Lok Sabha and pending therein, was referred to the Department
related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs for examination
and report thereon. The Standing Committee presented its Report
to both Houses of Parliament on 25th July, 2001. The
Bill, as reported by the Standing Committee, was considered and
passed by the Lok Sabha on 3rd December, 2002.
This information
was given by Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances
and Pensions, Smt. Vasundhara Raje in written reply to a question
in Rajya Sabha today.
