RTI Activists Alarmed Over Proposed Reforms

The NDA government’s move to amend 40 laws of the RTI Act, which include ensuring anonymity in the political funding, have added to the hurdles and worries of transparency seekers.

- Bharat Hiteshi

Activists working for transparency in governance have a reason to be alarmed at the NDA government’s move to change rules framed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The government’s track-record on transparency is uninspiring. It has just hurried through the Lok Sabha amendments to 40 laws, including one that ensures anonymity in political funding.

An amendment proposes that an applicant can file complaints within 135 days of filing the application under the Act, and in case of delay a request for condonation will also have to be filed. There is another provision empowering the CIC to convert a complaint into a second appeal.

Thus, as proposed, it can order the disclosure of information on a complaint. The Commission can also allow an amendment to the complaint during the hearing, if other remedies have been exhausted. Also, as suggested, the CIC has been given the power to decide if an appeal or a complaint can be withdrawn on the applicant’s request. However, once the issue has been decided, the withdrawal will not be allowed. Since the RTI Act is one of the most empowering laws passed in India, any attempt to dilute it is bound to invite disapproval and criticism.

In a recent circular, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel and Training has invited comments on the draft RTI Rules, 2017. These Rules would replace RTI Rules, 2012. Suggestions from concerned stakeholders were taken until April 15, 2017, via email to Preeti Khanna, Under Secretary (RTI), North Block, at [e-mail] Rules add definitions for the Chief Information Commissioner, Decision, Information Commissioner, Non-compliance, Representative, Secretary and Section.