Introduction

Recent attempts by the Modi government to amend the Right to Information (RTI) Act have sparked intense debate about the commitment to transparency in India. Critics argue that the proposed changes are a deliberate attempt to weaken the independence and effectiveness of the RTI mechanism, marking a significant regression in the efforts towards transparency and accountability. This article examines the current status of the RTI Act and the concerns surrounding its proposed amendments.

The Impact of Proposed RTI Amendments

The proposed amendments to the RTI Act raise serious concerns about the undermining of the RTI's autonomy and effectiveness. The bill seeks to empower the Central government with unprecedented control over the RTI commissioner, implying that decisions about the commissioner's tenure and salary will now be subject to the government's discretion. This move has several implications, the most crucial of which is the potential for government interference in the enactment and enforcement of the RTI Act.

Currently, the RTI commissioner operates with a five-year tenure and an age limit of 65. However, the new bill proposes to eliminate these limits, giving the Central government the authority to dictate the terms. Moreover, the salaries of the RTI commissioners will no longer be on par with those of election commissioners, further reducing their autonomy. This change could lead to a situation where the RTI commissioner is beholden to the government, contrary to the independent and impartial nature of the role.

Subverting Independence and Accountability

The proposed amendments also pose a direct threat to the independence of other government institutions. The judiciary and election commission in India have their autonomy to decide their own induction of members, salaries, and other matters. In contrast, the police department, which often lacks independence, is controlled by the state governments, leading to frequent transfers of police officials who rigorously investigate cases involving high-profile or politically involved individuals.

Similarly, the proposed amendments to the RTI Act signify an effort to subvert the autonomy of the RTI mechanism. The bill seeks to give the Central government the power to dictate when and how the RTI commissioner operates, further diminishing the act's effectiveness. The corruption and opaque practices of the UPA government were exposed through the RTI, and now, there are fears that the present BJP government may use the RTI as a tool to silence critics and conceal malpractices.

Secrecy in Drafting Legislations

Despite the importance of transparency and public participation in the legislative process, the government introduced the RTI amendments in complete secrecy. The Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy mandates public disclosure and consultation on draft legislations, but the contents of the proposed amendments were not known to members of parliament, citizens, and the media until the bill was circulated shortly before its introduction. This undemocratic approach has raised serious questions about the integrity and transparency of the legislative process.

The government's move to subvert the public's right to information by limiting their ability to participate in the legislative process has been seen as a significant setback. Such actions undermine public trust in the government and its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

The proposed amendments to the RTI Act are a cause for deep concern. They not only threaten the independence and effectiveness of the RTI but also pose a risk to the broader principle of transparency in governance. It is crucial for citizens to unite in their opposition to this move and advocate for a more inclusive and transparent legislative process. The preservation of the RTI Act as a tool for accountability and transparency is paramount for the continued fight against corruption and the promotion of good governance in India.