SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir RTI Movement, in collaboration with the Civic Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), organised an awareness programme at Government Higher Secondary School, Kalaroos, Kupwara, to mark International Right to Information (RTI) Day.
The programme focused on sensitising students about the importance of access to authentic information, critical thinking and responsible navigation of digital content.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder,” Chairman of the J&K RTI Movement, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, said the RTI Act was an important tool for accessing credible information and countering misinformation.
He stressed the need for government departments to establish dedicated and official social media handles for public offices at district and block levels so that citizens can access verified information directly from authorities.
“We deliberately chose to reach out to students at Kalaroos Kupwara, which is one of the remote areas of the Kashmir Valley. It was great to interact with the students on this important day,” Bhat said.
Noted scientist and Director Research at Orchid University, Dr Umar Saif, who was the distinguished guest, spoke about the importance of developing critical thinking skills among students.
He emphasised the need to verify sources and seek credible information, particularly in an era of rapid digital communication and widespread circulation of unverified content.
Senior members of the J&K RTI Movement, including Sajad Rasool and Shahid ul Islam, also interacted with the students and highlighted various mechanisms available for civic engagement.
Principal of Government Higher Secondary School Kalaroos, Zahoor Hamdani, expressed gratitude to the speakers for sensitising students about the provisions of the RTI Act and the importance of transparency in governance.
The proceedings were conducted by Peerzada Mashooq, a teacher at the school.
