Concerned over the frequent cases of files and documents being vanishing from government departments, Madhya Pradesh State Information Commissioner Rahul Singh directed the State’s General Administration Department (GAD) to initiate the legislation of the Public Records Act. Singh also instructed the GAD to devise guidelines according to the Centre’s Public Records Act, 1993 to regulate the management of documents and have strict provisions, including 5 years’ imprisonment and fine of Rs 10,000 against guilty officers accountable for the missing the records until the Public Records Act is enacted in the state. Singh pointed out that the absence of any legal framework for the management and administration of the records is the reason behind the officers being callous and apathetic towards cases of loss, mismanagement and illegal destruction of records in government offices. What Kind of Records are Vanishing? Singh’s order has exposed the stark reality behind callous approach of officers towards missing documents and plight of common man. The order warns that cases of vanishing and loss of records should not be dealt with in …