Duty to Inform Editorial in the Times of India, 7 Apr 2008 http://tinyurl.com/56s57d
It is unconscionable that the very body created to bring about greater transparency in the working of public bodies is itself unable to furnish any information about its own operations. The Central Information Commission, which oversees the right to information, has failed to provide even basic information, like the number and status of cases and appeals pending with it. It has been accused of not keeping any records of judgments and orders passed on RTI applications or of pending cases. It is heartening that in the midst of this deplorable state of affairs, it was an RTI application, which alerted the chief information commissioner about the lack of transparency within the commission. He has since ordered an upgrade of records in his office. The Right to Information Act is perhaps the most powerful legislation that empowers citizens to check on the functioning of public establishments. It has the ability to curb corruption, which is one of the biggest evils facing the country. Lack of transparency and accountability on the part of government officials increases the propensity for corruption. Although the Act was passed in 2005, it still faces several bottlenecks in its implementation. Awareness about the Act is still abysmal and even officials are not well informed. Common citizens hesitate to use the right to information in the apprehension that they will get entangled in a lot of red tape. RTI manuals and user guides are not well maintained and are not easily available to the public. There is need for creating awareness among the public that no specific draft is required for seeking information, and that applications can be made on plain paper as well. There have been instances when corrupt officials have deleted information, to prevent it from reaching the people. This needs to be checked. Stringent punitive action must be taken against guilty officers and also against those maintaining deficient records. Although the Right to Information Act is a landmark legislation, it is just a stepping stone towards eradicating corruption and bringing about lucidity in the working of the government. Right to information has to mature and translate into duty to inform. Just like businesses are accountable to investors, the government too should be made accountable to citizens. http://tinyurl.com/56s57d
