Challenges Faced by the RTI Act
Many information commissions are understaffed or defunct, with several positions lying vacant for years, leading to significant backlogs
Appointees are often retired officials or politically connected individuals who may hesitate to enforce transparency or penalize violations.
Recent changes have weakened the autonomy of information commissions, allowing the government to control their tenure and salaries.
New provisions in the Digital Personal Data Protection Act exempt personal information from RTI disclosures, undermining public access to information.
RTI users face violence, with nearly 100 reported killings, and many others experiencing threats and false legal actions.
Commissions rarely impose penalties for violations, promoting a culture of impunity among information officers.
Way Forward
Urgently appoint information commissioners to ensure timely processing of appeals and strengthen the RTI framework.
Reassess recent amendments to protect the independence of information commissions from governmental control.
Implement the Whistleblowers Protection Act effectively to safeguard those seeking information.
Raise awareness about the RTI Act and its importance in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Encourage commissions to impose penalties for non-compliance to reinforce the law’s effectiveness and restore public trust.
COMMENTS