The Central Information Commission (CIC) has advised the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to proactively publish highway contracts, safety plans and other key project documents after finding that the authority is not placing contract agreement-related information in the public domain. Issuing an advisory under Section 25(5) of the Right to Information Act, Information Commissioner Jaya Varma Sinha said, “NHAI is not placing contract agreement-related information on their website in the public domain.” (PTI)
The CIC said contractual agreements and safety plans have a direct bearing on public safety, transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects, and that withholding such information “under the guise of exemptions is inconsistent with the spirit of the RTI Act.” The commission’s order added that proactive disclosure would “enhance transparency in public procurement and execution of highway projects,” “ensure accountability of contractors and NHAI in adhering to safety norms,” and “empower citizens to monitor compliance with safety standards and contractual obligations.” The advisory aims to make contract and safety-related documents more accessible so citizens can better scrutinise compliance and risk management. (PTI)
Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain will travel to Iran on July 3 to represent India at the burial ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ministry said the pair will attend the funeral and related ceremonies as India’s official representatives. (PTI)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/07/03/national-nuggets-1687/
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Publish Date: 2026-07-03 06:39:00
