Centre's Proposed Amendment to RTI Act in Monsoon Session Sparks Concern Among Activists
The government has so far remained tight-lipped on the changes it intends to bring to the RTI Act.
New Delhi, July 15: The central government's proposed amendment to the Right to Information (RTI) Act has sparked concern among activists, who have decided to protest against the "instransperant" alterations to the legislation listed in the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Parliament.
The government has so far remained tight-lipped on the changes it intends to bring to the RTI Act. Reports, however, claim the Centre wants to give the central and state governments the right to increment the salary of Information Commissioners.
At present, their salaries are kept at par with the Election Commissioners. Sources within the government, while speaking to NDTV, said the Centre considers it incorrect to provide the same salaries to officials of the Information Commission - which is a statutory body - and the Election Commission - which is a constitutional body.
RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj claims the move to adjudicate on the salaries of Information Commissioners may be intended to "coerce" them. Bharadwaj said, she along with scores of civil society members, will be protesting against the Centre if the Bill is not released in public domain.
The National Campaign for People's' Right to Information (NCPRI), a nodal body of RTI activists, said its members will be protesting in 15 states if the contents of the Bill is not made public before July 18, when the Monsoon Session begins.
The NCPRI has accused the Centre of "illegally" keeping the contents of the proposed amendments discreet as a Pre-legislative Consultation Policy was adopted in 2014 which made it mandatory share details of the Bill at least 30 days before passing it. The draft copy should be uploaded on the respective Ministry's website inviting public suggestions and comments.
"It is a matter of grave concern that the government has refused to make public the contents of the amendment bill. This manner of secrecy and lack of any public consultation is a violation of the Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy and undermines basic democratic principles," said the statement issued by the NCPRI.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2018 08:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).