---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: venkatesh nayak <[email protected]> Date: Tue, Dec 29, 2009 at 12:06 AM Subject: Analysis of and recommendations for change in the Right to Information (Amendment) Rules, 2009 To: [email protected]
Date: 28/12/2009 From, Venkatesh Nayak Programme Coordinator Access to Information Programme Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative B-117, First Floor, Sarvodaya Enclave New Delhi- 110 017 Tel: 098710 50555 To, Shri Nitish Kumar Chief Minister Government of Bihar Patna, Bihar Dear Mr. Chief Minister, I am writing from the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), an international, independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation headquartered in New Delhi. CHRIis working to promote people's access to information in India and the Commonwealth countries. CHRI has come across a recent gazette notification issued by your Government amending the Right to Information Rules, 2006. Most of the changes contained in the Right to Information (Amendment) Rules, 2009 are anti-poor and RTI-unfriendly. I have attached an analysis of the amendments in the light of the RTI Act and practices adopted in other States. This document contains detailed reasoning about the likely impact of these amendments. We have also provided alternative suggestions to strengthening implementation of the RTI Act in Bihar. CHRI urges you to withdraw the anti-poor and RTI-unfriendly amendments immediately. Please feel free to email me or call me at my number mentioned above if you wish to discuss our analysis and recommendations in detail. With best wishes, Yours sincerely, Venkatesh Nayak *About CHRI: *CHRI works on access to information and access to justice issues in India and other Commonwealth countries. CHRI has been closely associated with the drafting of the Right to Information Act, 2005 and subsequently its implementation at the level of the Central and State Governments. For more information about our work please visit our website: www.humanrightsinitiative.org -- Maja Daruwala Director Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative B-117, First Floor, Sarvodaya Enclave New Delhi, INDIA, 110017 Tel No 91 11 26864678:26850523 (O) Tel No 91 11 26868961 (H) Fax No 91 11 26864688 (O) email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
