BHOPAL: On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded restoration of the commissions’ autonomy, review of restrictive provisions in the DPDP Act, immediate filling of vacancies, public reporting of disposal rates, and enforcement of whistleblower protections.
The Congress local leaders told the press that the RTI Act was the first pillar of the UPA’s rights-based governance agenda, which also introduced landmark legislations such as MGNREGA (2005), Forest Rights Act (2006), Right to Education (2009), Land Acquisition Act (2013) and National Food Security Act (2013). The RTI Act, they said, empowered citizens by ensuring access to public information and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
However, they alleged that since 2014, the RTI framework has been steadily undermined. The 2019 amendments curtailed the independence of information commissions by allowing the central government to determine their tenure and service conditions. Furthermore, the 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act expanded the definition of “personal information”, restricting disclosures even when in public interest.
The Congress expressed grave concern over prolonged vacancies in information commissions, citing over 4 lakh pending appeals nationwide. They also highlighted attacks on RTI activists such as Shahla Masood and Satish Shetty, noting that the Whistleblower Protection Act remains unimplemented.
The party demanded restoration of the commissions’ autonomy, review of restrictive provisions in the DPDP Act, immediate filling of vacancies, public reporting of disposal rates, and enforcement of whistleblower protections.
“RTI is not merely a law but a cornerstone of citizens’ empowerment,” the Congress declared, reaffirming its commitment to safeguard the people’s right to question and seek accountability.
Chennai based Right to information Movement (RIM Chennai) headed by John Lopez also turns 20 on Monday. RIM Chennai continues to serve the people in matters relating to the RTI Act. It offers fee consultation and drafting of RTI petitions, assists in inspection and enquiry.
RIM Chennai has so far served tens of thousands of people across the country in the last 20 years.
RIM Chennai can be contacted on phone” +919444484517 and email: rim.chennai@gmail.com on all days.
RIM Chennai serves Indian citizens across the world.
