This circular emphasizes the mandatory requirement for all public authorities to maintain and catalog records systematically as per Section 4 of the Right to Information Act. It highlights that the Central Information Commission has noted that poor record-keeping leads to incomplete or misleading information being provided to applicants. Public authorities are warned that they may be liable to compensate complainants for losses caused by such negligence. All ministries and departments are directed to ensure strict compliance with these record-keeping provisions. The directive aims to improve transparency and the efficiency of information retrieval.

This circular emphasizes the mandatory requirement for all public authorities to maintain and catalog records systematically as per Section 4 of the Right to Information Act. It highlights that the Central Information Commission has noted that poor record-keeping leads to incomplete or misleading information being provided to applicants. Public authorities are warned that they may be liable to compensate complainants for losses caused by such negligence. All ministries and departments are directed to ensure strict compliance with these record-keeping provisions. The directive aims to improve transparency and the efficiency of information retrieval.