Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, former Director General of Assam Police, shares his insight into his current role as Chief Information Commissioner and the evolution of policing in Assam with GPlus in a freewheeling tête-à-tête
GPlus: Can you shed some light on the role of a Chief Information Commissioner?
BJM: The Chief Information Commissioner plays a pivotal role in enforcing the Right To Information Act, 2005. This Act grants citizens the right to access information from public authorities, ensuring transparency in government operations. My responsibility involves overseeing the implementation of this Act, ensuring that citizens can obtain information they seek through a defined procedure, including appeals if necessary.
Actually there has been demand for transparency in public service. Over the years, there have been issues on corruption. Government servants have a tendency to not talk freely about the reasons behind particular decisions they take. Because of all this, there is a lot of apprehension in the minds of people about a whole lot of issues, so they have the right to know things, like why a decision is taken, and so on. The government then decided to introduce the Right to Information Act, 2005. And as per this, a particular person is entrusted with sharing any information the citizen asks for. If the person doesn’t share the information, within a period of 30 days, then the applicant can move the first appellate authority, who is normally the head of the office to share the information. He will then have to arrange the hearing of the person who asked for the information and the person who has to share the information and why he is not able to do it. If the person is not satisfied with this particular information, then he comes to me, the Chief Information Commissioner. This is called the second and final appeal. I’m like a judge and I take a decision whether to refrain from sharing information or give.
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So just to simplify, if people file an RTI query with a department or a government body and if someone chooses to not share what he wants to know, the citizen can come to you and say that, ‘the information I require is not provided, please provide assistance or help share the information.’
GPlus: How has the trend of RTIs (Right to Information) been in Assam?
BJM: The trend in Assam regarding RTIs has been fluctuating. While there are genuine seekers of information who utilise RTIs to address issues such as corruption or malpractices in public services, there are also instances of misuse, leading to extortion and unnecessary harassment of public authorities. However, I have observed a positive trend after my interventions, with increased compliance from public authorities and a decrease in second appeals.
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GPlus: What kind of information can be denied?
BJM: The RTI Act, under Section 8, provides exemptions for certain types of information. This includes matters related to national security, private information, information that may cause harm if disclosed, and details that could potentially be misused to harass individuals. Additionally, information that could disrupt the normal functioning of a public authority may also be exempted.
GPlus: How does the Commission create awareness about RTI among the public?
BJM: We undertake various initiatives to raise awareness about RTI, including organising RTI weeks, conducting awareness campaigns, and utilising social media platforms for outreach. Additionally, we have developed an RTI portal to facilitate the process of obtaining information. Our goal is to ensure that citizens understand their rights and the importance of transparency in governance.
GPlus: As the former DGP of Assam, how have you seen criminals evolve over time?
BJM: Criminals have evolved significantly, thus prompting a corresponding evolution in law enforcement strategies. We have witnessed changes in criminal tactics, such as the rise of cybercrime and drug trafficking. To combat these challenges, we have implemented measures such as regional cybercrime coordination and intensified efforts against drug trafficking networks.
GPlus: When does Assam Police consider the ‘war on drugs’ to be over?
BJM: The ‘war on drugs’ is ongoing, particularly given the complexities of drug trafficking networks and international influences. As long as drugs continue to pose a threat to public health and security, our efforts to combat drug trafficking will persist. Achieving lasting success in this endeavour requires concerted efforts at the national and international levels.
GPlus: How has social media impacted policing in Assam?
BJM: Social media serves as a valuable tool for law enforcement enabling us to disseminate information, engage with the public, and prevent crimes.Through social media platforms, we have been able to reach a wider audience, respond to emergencies more effectively, and even prevent suicides by timely intervention. Additionally, initiatives such as the Village Defense Forces utilise social media for community outreach and crime prevention.
GPlus: Despite your tenure as the DGP, if given a second chance, would you do anything differently?
BJM: Yes, there are areas where I would seek to implement changes, such as reducing the visibility of weapons on the streets and improving the working conditions of police personnel. Additionally, I would focus on enhancing community policing initiatives to build stronger ties between law enforcement agencies and the public, fostering trust and cooperation.
GPlus: Can you elaborate on the challenges faced by police personnel in their line of duty?
BJM: Police personnel encounter numerous challenges, ranging from physical risks to psychological stress. Despite these challenges, they find fulfillment in serving the community and making a positive impact on people’s lives. It is essential to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of police personnel and provide support systems to help them cope with the demands of their profession.
GPlus: Have you ever taken a bullet?
BJM: I almost took a bullet once, but I ducked in time.
Many things have happened with me but in my books, I have written about guys who have taken a bullet and still carrying on with their lives, and it’s better to die actually, than taking a bullet and live. That’s my thing and I got them all together in the police headquarter. I sent people to each and every house to go and take account of the situation; we then waived off promotions requirements, otherwise some of them won’t even get a promotion. Even after taking a bullet, they still face problems in their lives.
Bullet wounds are damaging at times. I mean damage in the sense, their legs are cut, someone’s hands are cut, parts of skin put here and there, and they’re in AIIMS for years and they only get ₹20,000, then it became ₹2 lakhs. Sometimes they sell their property to get their kids married… After becoming DGP, I have removed all these requirements so that I can give them promotion and everybody comes at par.
I have published two books. One is called ‘Guli Khuwa Sipahi’. It’s in Hindi also and the other one is ‘Ajaya Sipahi’. It’s called ‘Durjyo Sipahi’ in Assamese. These books are all about guys who have been shot.