Punjab State Information Commission marks 21 years of the landmark transparency law; Harpreet Sandhu’s book ‘RTI and Good Governance’ unveiled in Chandigarh.
By Amrit Pal Sidhu
Chandigarh, 12 October 2026
The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) commemorated the State-Level Right to Information Day in a event held at the UT State Guest House in Chandigarh, This celebration marked 21 years since the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005, a pivotal legislation that has played a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment within democratic governance.
A highlight of the event was the release of the book "RTI and Good Governance," authored by Punjab State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu. The book was unveiled under the patronage of Punjab Chief Information Commissioner Inderpal Singh Dhanna.
It emphasizes the importance of the Right to Information framework in fostering a transparent, accountable, and responsible administration. The publication aims to enhance public understanding of the RTI Act's objectives and provisions, its evolution over two decades, and the emerging dimensions of information governance in light of contemporary legal and administrative developments.
Punjab's Minister for Good Governance and Information Technology, Aman Arora, addressed the gathering, underscoring the empowerment that the Right to Information Act, 2005, has provided to ordinary citizens. He highlighted that the Act ensures transparency and accountability in government operations, aligning with the constitutional spirit of a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Arora emphasized that public institutions must operate transparently and remain accountable to citizens to achieve this objective. He also noted the state government's initiatives to strengthen good governance through digital platforms by ensuring timely service delivery and accountability for delays.
The event was graced by prominent figures including Punjab Chief Information Commissioner Inderpal Singh Dhanna; State Information Commissioners Sandeep Dhaliwal, Varinderjit Singh Billing, Harpreet Sandhu, Dr. Bhupinder Singh Bath, and Pooja Gupta; as well as former Punjab Chief Information Commissioners Rajan Kashyap, IAS (Retd.), Ramesh Inder Singh, IAS (Retd.), S.S. Channy, IAS (Retd.), and Justice Harnaresh Singh Gill. The audience also included Chandigarh DGP Sagarpreet Singh Hooda, a delegation from the Western Command led by Colonel Jagdeep Sandhu, senior police and civil administration officers from the Punjab Government, former High Court judges, and Public Information Officers (PIOs) from across Punjab.
Rajan Kashyap, the founding Chief Information Commissioner of Punjab, shared his reflections on the early days of implementing the RTI Act. Former Chief Information Commissioners Ramesh Inder Singh and S.S. Channy also contributed their insights during the occasion.
The book "RTI and Good Governance" features special messages from Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Punjab Governor and Administrator of UT Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria, and Chief Information Commissioner of India Raj Kumar Goyal, IAS (Retd.).
These messages highlight the constitutional and democratic significance of the publication. The book has also received endorsements from Wajahat Habibullah, India’s first Chief Information Commissioner, and Rajan Kashyap, Punjab’s first Chief Information Commissioner.
Authored by Harpreet Sandhu under the auspices of the Punjab State Information Commission, the book reiterates a commitment to enhancing public awareness, promoting responsible implementation of the RTI framework, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in public institutions.
The event served as an important platform to review the achievements over the past 21 years while reaffirming the ongoing need for effective implementation of the RTI Act in the larger public interest.
As stakeholders continue to advocate for transparent governance, events like these underscore the enduring significance of the Right to Information Act in empowering citizens and strengthening democratic foundations.