Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 12: On the occasion of Right to Information (RTI) Day, Goa Congress President Amit Patkar strongly defended the RTI Act as a cornerstone of democratic accountability, crediting the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government for enacting what he described as a “lifeline for citizens.” He alleged, however, that since the BJP came to power in 2014, the RTI framework has been systematically weakened, making it harder for the public to access crucial government information.

Patkar asserted that the original intent of the RTI Act was to empower citizens and ensure transparent governance. But over the years, he claimed, amendments and administrative changes under the current government have undermined this intent, diluting the public’s ability to question and hold authorities accountable.

Echoing this concern, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandez pointed to specific instances where information has become inaccessible — including details about the Prime Minister’s travel expenses, data on COVID-19 deaths, and disclosures related to the PM CARES Fund. He said the average citizen now struggles to obtain even basic public interest information.

In response to these concerns, the Congress party has outlined a series of demands to revive and reinforce the RTI system:

• Restore the Independence of Information Commissions by reversing the 2019 amendments and reinstating a fixed five-year tenure with secure service conditions.

• Review the Data Protection and Digital Privacy Act (DPDP), particularly Section 44(3), to ensure it does not override RTI provisions that protect public interest.

• Fill all Vacancies in Central and State Information Commissions through a transparent, time-bound process.

• Enforce Performance Standards for the commissions, including mandatory public reporting of case disposal rates.

• Protect RTI Users and Whistleblowers, ensuring safeguards under the Whistleblower Protection Act are fully implemented.

• Ensure Diversity in Commissions by including journalists, activists, academics, and women to better reflect public interest.

Patkar emphasized that these steps are necessary to restore the RTI Act’s original role as a powerful tool for accountability. He added that the Congress party remains committed to fighting for reforms that uphold citizens’ rights to information and push back against the erosion of transparency in governance.