The Department of Personnel and Training has announced the implementation of a system for sending one-time passwords (OTPs) to individuals seeking to check the status of their applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. This initiative aims to safeguard the personal information of applicants.
In response to concerns raised by Madurai railway union leader V. Ramkumar regarding delays in receiving OTPs via email, the Department Secretary acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasized that the delay may stem from various factors. Importantly, he noted that the OTPs do not have an expiration date, allowing applicants to use them once received to access their application status, after which the OTP will expire.
While Mr. Ramkumar recognized the importance of protecting personal data, he expressed frustration over the slow OTP delivery, calling it a concern for the overall efficiency of the system. He compared it to banking transactions, where OTPs are typically delivered almost instantly and valid for a very limited time, often just one to two minutes.
To enhance the process, Mr. Ramkumar suggested that OTPs should also be sent via SMS to ensure quicker and more reliable delivery. He advocated for a system that delivers OTPs without unnecessary delays, ideally within seconds, to provide a smooth and efficient experience for all applicants.
Published – January 14, 2025 05:15 am IST
