समीक्षा सुझावों के बीच खड़गे ने RTI अधिनियम के भविष्य पर सवाल उठाए

The Right to Information (RTI) Act is a law that gives citizens the power to request information from government organizations. It is important because it promotes transparency and accountability in how the government works, helping to reduce corruption and make government more efficient.

For the UPSC Prelims, remember that the RTI Act aims to promote transparency and accountability. Note the recent discussions around potential weakening of the Act and the number of pending cases (over 26,000). Also, be aware of the 2019 amendments and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and their potential impact on the RTI Act.

The RTI Act is in the news because Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized the government for allegedly weakening the Act. This criticism comes after the Economic Survey suggested a re-examination of the law, including potentially exempting certain confidential records from disclosure.

Concerns exist that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, may dilute the public interest clause of the RTI Act. This could potentially limit the scope of information that can be accessed under the RTI, especially concerning personal data.

Pros include the potential to streamline the Act, address loopholes, and protect genuinely sensitive information. Cons include the risk of weakening transparency and accountability, potentially hindering citizens' access to crucial information and enabling corruption.

Key dates to remember are the enactment of the RTI Act (2005 - not explicitly mentioned but implied), the 2019 amendments to the RTI Act, and the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in 2023. Understanding the context around these dates is crucial.

Reforms could focus on reducing the pendency of RTI requests, ensuring timely responses from government bodies, and protecting Information Commissioners from undue influence. There is a need to clarify the scope of exemptions to prevent misuse and ensure greater transparency.

The debate impacts common citizens by influencing their ability to access information about government activities. A strong RTI Act empowers citizens to hold the government accountable, while a weakened Act can limit their ability to do so, potentially leading to corruption and inefficiency.

The RTI Act, 2005, emerged from a long struggle for transparency and accountability in governance. Before its enactment, access to government information was limited, which fostered corruption. The movement for RTI gained momentum in the 1990s, led by civil society organizations demanding greater openness.

Mallikarjun Kharge is a key political figure who has criticized the government's approach to the RTI Act. His statement is important because it highlights concerns about the potential weakening of the Act and raises questions about the government's commitment to transparency and accountability.