The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has become the first state-owned enterprise (SOE) to meet the disclosure requirements under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Information Commissioner Aahid Rasheed announced HDC’s milestone in a social media post, in which he praised the corporation for its commitment and compliance. He further noted the company’s proactive stance in making all legally mandated information available to the public.
According to the Commissioner, HDC now sets a benchmark for other SOEs. He further urged the remaining SOEs to follow the corporation’s example and meet their own disclosure obligations.
Moreover, the Commissioner stressed on the importance of transparency in government bodies and the public sector.
State-owned enterprises operate on public funds and deliver essential services, and therefore carry a clear duty to remain open and accountable.
In addition to this, the Commissioner highlighted broader progress across the public sector in terms of transparency, accessibility and proficiency in delivery. Sixteen government ministries, including the President’s Office, have already met the RTI disclosure requirements.