In a significant policy advisory aimed at enhancing transparency and public accountability, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has recommended that registered associations and societies receiving government grants or performing public functions appoint designated Public Information Officers (PIOs) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

The advisory follows recent directives from Central Information Commission (CIC) rulings that extend RTI compliance to non-governmental bodies involved in public services or benefiting from substantial state funding. Associations operating in sectors such as education, health, cooperative housing, rural development, and cultural promotion are expected to comply.

The Ministry has urged Registrars of Societies in all states to circulate the advisory and incorporate the requirement during society registration renewals or grant approvals. Societies are now expected to officially notify their PIOs, establish information desks, and publish basic details — including objectives, financial statements, and governing body details — on their websites or notice boards.

“Transparency cannot be limited to government offices alone,” said a senior official from the Department of Personnel. “Associations using public funds or serving public purposes must open themselves to public scrutiny.”

Legal experts have welcomed the move, stating that many societies function like quasi-public bodies and should be held to the same standards of disclosure. However, smaller organizations have raised concerns about administrative burdens and lack of RTI awareness.

To ease the transition, state RTI Commissions are expected to hold orientation sessions and issue simplified guidelines for compliance. Failure to comply with RTI norms may lead to funding suspension or de-registration in extreme cases.

The move is seen as a broader effort to promote participatory governance and citizen oversight in civil society institutions.