The Tribune: Editorial
Page: Friday, 10 January 2025.
Apropos of the editorial ‘RTI on its knees’; the RTI Act was enacted in 2005 by the Manmohan Singh-led government to facilitate a greater flow of information from public authorities to the common man as a weapon of empowerment. It...
Apropos of the editorial
‘RTI on its knees’; the RTI Act was enacted in 2005 by the Manmohan Singh-led
government to facilitate a greater flow of information from public authorities
to the common man as a weapon of empowerment. It was a revolutionary legislation
that had placed huge powers in the hands of the ordinary citizen to demand a
transparent and accountable administration. But successive governments have
chipped away at the Act, making their actions less accountable and transparent
to the people. There are a huge number of cases pending with information
commissions nationwide. Everyone should remember that democracy is not just
about seeking benefits but also about contribution to nation-building.
Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar
Dilution is anti-democratic
The RTI Act is not only about getting information but also about getting it as a ‘right’, something which goes a long way in strengthening democracy through transparency. Opaqueness in governance is a recipe for disaster. The Act needs to be strengthened to take the country in the right direction by adding checks and balances as inbuilt safety measures. The strength of a democracy is directly proportional to the strength of its citizens. Dilution of the Act in any manner is anti-democratic and unacceptable.
Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala
Strengthen the law, don’t stifle it
Refer to ‘RTI on its knees’; the Right to Information Act is a crucial law that gives people the right to access information in a time-bound manner so that they can make informed decisions. It promises transparency in government functioning and a bulwark against corruption. But the Act can’t deliver the desired results unless it is implemented in a wholehearted manner. The Central Information Commission and many state information commissions are understaffed. No wonder the pendency of appeals is rising day by day. Letting off evasive public authorities with minor admonishments and not imposing heavy fines is another impediment.
KR Bharti, Shimla
Apropos of the editorial ‘RTI on its knees’; the RTI Act was enacted in 2005 by the Manmohan Singh-led government to facilitate a greater flow of information from public authorities to the common man as a weapon of empowerment. It...
Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar
Dilution is anti-democratic
The RTI Act is not only about getting information but also about getting it as a ‘right’, something which goes a long way in strengthening democracy through transparency. Opaqueness in governance is a recipe for disaster. The Act needs to be strengthened to take the country in the right direction by adding checks and balances as inbuilt safety measures. The strength of a democracy is directly proportional to the strength of its citizens. Dilution of the Act in any manner is anti-democratic and unacceptable.
Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala
Strengthen the law, don’t stifle it
Refer to ‘RTI on its knees’; the Right to Information Act is a crucial law that gives people the right to access information in a time-bound manner so that they can make informed decisions. It promises transparency in government functioning and a bulwark against corruption. But the Act can’t deliver the desired results unless it is implemented in a wholehearted manner. The Central Information Commission and many state information commissions are understaffed. No wonder the pendency of appeals is rising day by day. Letting off evasive public authorities with minor admonishments and not imposing heavy fines is another impediment.
KR Bharti, Shimla
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