Information Commissioner's Office has conferred Ranvana Awards 2018 from three different categories.
Ministry of Gender and Family received the award from the government offices category, while Anti- Corruption Commission received the award for the third consecutive year from independent organisation category. Meanwhile, Haa Alifu Atoll Council received the award from the local council category.
Addressing the ceremony, Auditor General Hassan Ziyath highlighted the importance of disclosing information to maintain the trust of the people on the institutions. Disclosing information enhances the vision and scope of the institution as well as following a legal responsibility, according to Ziyath.
Moreover, Ziyath encouraged to release accurate information by the respective institutions before false information are circulated in the public. Advocating on the importance of right to information, Ziyath expressed the challenges Audit Office experiences in carrying the assignments to make public officials accountable. Easy accessibility and availability of correct information must be encouraged by all institutions, he stated.
During the ceremony, first rank in information disclosure was awarded to 8 offices, while 14 and 41 offices received second and third rank. In addition, Information Commissioner's Office recognised the companies and authorities which helped the institution in the past year. In this regard, Public Service Media (PSM) received the award for recognition for its support.