आर्थिक सर्वेक्षण 2025-26 में RTI कानून की दोबारा जांच करने का सुझाव

The Economic Survey 2025-26 suggests a re-evaluation of the RTI Act to balance its use in promoting transparency and accountability with the need for efficient governance. The survey indicates that certain provisions might be hindering the decision-making process and creating unnecessary administrative burden.

The RTI Act aims to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government by empowering citizens to access information held by public authorities.

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, potential drawbacks include hindering the decision-making process and causing unnecessary administrative burden due to the surge in RTI requests.

The re-evaluation could lead to changes in the types of information accessible or the process for obtaining it. The goal is to make the process more efficient while still upholding the principles of transparency and accountability, but changes could affect the ease with which citizens can access government information.

The RTI movement gained momentum in the late 1980s and early 1990s, driven by grassroots activists demanding access to government information to combat corruption and ensure accountability. Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) played a pivotal role.

For UPSC Prelims, remember that the Economic Survey 2025-26 advocates for a re-examination of the RTI Act to balance transparency with governance efficiency. The survey suggests that some provisions may be causing administrative burden.

Debates surround the types of information that should be disclosed, particularly concerning sensitive personal data and information that could affect national security or economic interests. There are also concerns about the increasing number of RTI requests and the burden on public authorities.

Pros include streamlining government processes and enhancing efficiency. Cons include potentially reducing transparency and limiting citizens' access to information if the changes are not carefully considered.

While the RTI Act itself is a statutory law, the right to information is considered an intrinsic part of Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. Access to information enables citizens to form informed opinions and participate effectively in a democracy.

Reforms might include clarifying the types of information that can be exempted from disclosure, streamlining the RTI application process, and strengthening the capacity of public authorities to respond to requests efficiently. Also, promoting proactive disclosure of information can reduce the need for individual RTI requests.