Sunday, September 14, 2025
spot_img

Protect RTI

Date:

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

In this editorial column, we had written against the violation of the Right to Information Act in Manipur by vested interests comprising government officials. What is curious is that the Centre has the intention of restricting the application of RTI legislation in such areas as sport and nuclear safety. As a matter of fact, these two areas call for the utmost transparency especially in view of the scandal over last year’s Commonwealth Games and the storm of protest over nuclear power plants in Jaitapur and Kudankulam. The RTI Act was passed in 2005 but right from the beginning; it met with opposition from various government quarters. Demand has been made for removing file notings from the purview of the RTI Act. Such moves run counter to the principle of open governance. The efforts to bypass the RTI Act or to restrict the scope of the operation of the Act betray the government’s resistance to transparency

RTI has extended the rights of people significantly. RTI activists have used the law to bring to light a whole host of scams in recent years. That proves the need for such legislation beyond all doubt. The great number of attacks on RTI activists is also evidence of its efficacy. Admittedly, it has to be acknowledged that the piling up of applications against RTI violations may stand in the way of government functioning speedily. Classification of government records may overcome this obstacle. Non-sensitive government records can be put out on the web. The advanced countries follow the practice. As for sensitive government information, it may be kept under wraps for a period of time before divulging it to the public. But then who will draw the line between sensitive and non-sensitive information?

Previous article
Next article

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Trump calls on NATO allies to stop buying Russian oil

US President threatens 50% to 100% tariffs on China Basking Ridge, Sep 13: President Donald Trump said on Saturday...

Israel ramps up strikes on Gaza City, at least 32 die

Deir al-Balah, Sep 13: A barrage of airstrikes killed at least 32 people across Gaza City as Israel...

Kash Patel faces congressional hearings after missteps in Kirk assassination probe

Washington, Sep 13: Hours after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel declared online...

Netanyahu’s gamble of targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar backfires

Jerusalem, Sep 13: When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered this week’s attempted assassination of Hamas leaders in Qatar,...