In addition to a new Clause on Compensation ( to be dealt separately) and new Provisions on Public Authority and Public Information Officer already suggested, the following additional provisions are necessary to be incorporated into the Draft Bill in keeping with the corresponding provisions mentioned in the Freedom of Information Bill 2000. The formulations of these new provisions being self-explanatory, there is no need for any further argumentation by way of justification:

              Severability:

If a request for access to information is rejected on the ground that it is in relation to information which is exempted from disclosure, then notwithstanding any thing contained in this Act, access may be given to that part of the record, which does not contain any information that is exempted from disclosure under this Act and which can reasonably be severed from any part that contains the exempted information.

              Third party information:

Where a public authority intends to disclose information on a request made by a party which relates to, or has been supplied by a third party and has been treated as confidential by that third party, the Public Information Officer shall by notice to such third party invite representation against the proposed disclosure, if any within seven days from the date of receipt of such notice.

Provided that except in the case of trade or commercial secrets protected by law, disclosure may be allowed if the public interest in disclosure outweighs in importance any possible harm or injury to the interest of such third party.

              Power to make rules by the State Government:

The State Government may make and thereon publicise the general rules in all mass media including the Official Gazette to carry out the provisions of this Act within one month of the enactment.

              Power to make rules by the public authorities:

The various Public Authorities as re-defined in the Clause 2, and on whom the Act is binding shall make their respective rules for carrying out the provisions of the Act and shall publicise them in all possible media so as to ensure their out-reach to their clientele population, within 3 months of the enactment.

In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:

1. Intervals at which the matters referred to in the Clause on Obligations for Suo moto disclosure shall be published;
2. The fee payable against supply of information.
3. The other authority before whom an appeal may be preferred against order of a particular Public Authority.
4. Any other matter which is required to be, or may be prescribed.
   
   

              Power to remove difficulties

1. If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the State Government may, by order published in all mass media including the official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as appears to it to be necessary or expedient for removal of the difficulty
   Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of a period of two years from the date of the commencement of this Act.
2. Every order made under this Section shall, as soon as may be, after it is made, be laid before the Orissa Legislative Assembly for approval.

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