Panaji, Apr 29 (TOI): Congress has alleged that the directorate of mines and geology, and office of secretary mines are trying to suppress information sought under the Right to Information Act. The party said that sometimes, information given under the RTI act is incorrect, and warned of exposing deeds of the two important offices of the government soon.

Spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar told a press conference on Thursday that when he tried to submit an RTI application to the secretary of mines recently, the office refused to accept it. The staffer said she had instructions from the secretary of mines not to accept any RTI applications.

He alleged that similar tactics are being used by the directorate of mines and geology. When he sought certified copies of leases executed with 89 mining lease holders from the department under the RTI act, he said they denied him the same stating it cannot be given as it pertains to a third party, and permission would be required.

"They have forgotten to protect the interest of the state," said Kawthankar. warning that they would expose alleged illegalities of the mines directorate.

The Congress spokesperson said that they are in the process of obtaining further material that would expose two important offices of the government.

He accused the directorate of mines and geology of employing delaying tactics when information is sought under RTI.