SSC Descriptive Writing Current Affairs SSC-CGL (TIER-III) - RTI-The Democratization of information

RIT- THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF INFORMATION

Key Points:

Introduction

• Origin
• Watershed moment

Positives

• Transparency and accountability
• Check corruption
• Trust building
• Empower citizen
• Participatory development
• Social audit

Criticism

• Poor record keeping practices
• Lack of infrastructures
• Delay in appointing offices
• Dilution of power
• Frivolous applications

Way ahead

• Strong whistleblowers act
• Culture of transparency

THE ESSAY BEGINS.,

The enactment of the Right to information act in 2005 came as a watershed moment in Indian governance. The act made the democracy to work for people in real sense, by empowering them to access information about the functioning and forthcoming policies of the government.

The trademarks of a working democratic setup are transparency and accountability, and the enactment of RTI strengthened these pillars, thereby fighting against corruption. It gives real power in the hands of people by letting them take informed decisions, improving citizen-government partnership, thereby promoting participatory development. People conducting social audits and public hearings have created a new epoch in Indian democracy making them also feel the part of government, thus helping in trust-building.

Attempts had been made to dilute the provisions of the act, to render it toothless. The non- compliance of the political parties to the commission's orders has reduced its power before the public, and also tainted its independent status. Poor record-keeping by bureaucrats, lack of infrastructure, coupled by the delay in appointing officers has led to the weakening of the legislation. There are also complaints of frivolous applications and using the legislation as a means to blackmail officers or stall developmental works.

Right to information is an integral part of the Constitution under articles 19 and 21. Also, it is necessary for the government to be inclusive and participatory- in nature. A strong whistleblowers act is essential for the proper functioning of the legislation. The right to information act has brought in a culture of transparency that has increased people trust in the government, and this culture has to be strengthened so that India can continue to be a democracy in the true sense of the word.