KAINAT IHSAN
The Right to Information Act of 2013 (RTI) and the Right to Services Act of 2014 (RTS) have significantly changed how local government operates in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Both of these laws were introduced to make the local government more transparent, responsive, and accountable to the people of Pakhtunkhwa. By allowing citizens to request information and demand timely services, these acts help citizens hold their local government accountable and ensure that public offices are serving the community effectively.
The RTI Act of 2013 allows citizens in the province to access government-held information. This means that anyone can request details on how decisions are made, how public money is spent, and what progress is being made on local projects. This is important for transparency, as it discourages corruption and mismanagement. With the RTI in place, people in Pakhtunkhwa can monitor what their local government is doing and demand explanations if services or projects are delayed. This act has made local government more open and has encouraged officials to work more honestly and efficiently.
The RTS Act of 2014 focuses specifically on the timely delivery of public services. In Pakhtunkhwa, the RTS law has set time limits for specific services like issuing birth certificates, land records, or permits. This means that citizens can expect services to be completed within a set time, preventing delays and inefficiencies. If a service is not delivered within the required time, the citizen can file a complaint, and the responsible officer may face a penalty. This act has made the local government more responsive to the needs of people in Pakhtunkhwa, as it pushes officials to act faster and ensures citizens do not have to wait for months to get basic services.
The RTI and RTS Acts have had a strong impact on local governance in Pakhtunkhwa.
First, they have improved trust between citizens and their local government, as people feel that they can now get answers and support without facing unnecessary hurdles. Second, these laws have helped reduce corruption, as officials know that their actions are being monitored and that they can be held accountable. Third, by enforcing time limits on services, the RTS has made public offices in the province more efficient, reducing delays and making life easier for ordinary citizens.
While both acts have been effective in bringing transparency and efficiency to Pakhtunkhwa’s local government, challenges remain. Some citizens still lack awareness of their rights under these laws, and some government officials are resistant to these changes. However, as more people become aware of the RTI and RTS Acts and start using them, the laws will continue to have a positive impact on Provincial government.
Overall, the RTI (Right to Information) and RTS (Right to Services) Acts have empowered citizens in Pakhtunkhwa by making the local government more transparent, accountable, and efficient. These laws provide people with the tools they need to hold their local government accountable and ensure that public services are delivered fairly and on time. With continued efforts to raise awareness and enforce these laws, Pakhtunkhwa’s local governance can continue to improve, benefiting all citizens.