EXPERT SPEAK ‘RTI has changed equation between citizen and govt’ National Campaign for People’s Right to Information co-founder Aruna Roy tells Himanshi Dhawan that while RTI has given India hope, people need to be eternally vigilant against those trying to weaken the Act Eight years on, what is the impact of the RTI Act on the common man’s life? The Act has changed the power equation of the Indian citizen with the government. It has given the ordinary Indian a tool to exercise her sovereignty — to ask questions and demand answers. The RTI application has forced panchayats, states and the Centre to disclose information, and has initiated an era of citizen-driven transparency and accountability. Should non-government institutions also be brought under its ambit? From the beginning, the RTI campaign has strongly advocated that all institutions that use public money and affect public interest must be brought under the ambit of the Act. This includes NGOs, political parties, the media, trade unions, cooperative societies, religious institutions, and many others. Transparency and accountability would be incomplete without ensuring that the private sector is subject to RTI in so far as it affects public interest. Has RTI improved governance? It has brought the energies of public-spirited Indians to the domain of democratic governance. It has helped reduce corruption and arbitrary use of power. It has given us hope. Contrary to the allegation that it has resulted in policy paralysis, RTI has and will eventually ensure accountability and efficiency so that bureaucrats and policymakers do the job they are paid to do with integrity, effectively and efficiently. Many honest and committed public officials have told us that RTI is a great tool, particularly to ensure efficiency which is often a victim to corrupt practices and nepotism. Do you feel there is a lack of awareness about the RTI Act? Awareness about RTI has spread more rapidly than most laws in India. However, it is not enough. RTI has the potential to change the culture of exclusion and secrecy to one of openness and inclusion. Citizens have displayed courage, commitment, and creativity in putting it to use. The many victims it has claimed speak of both its effectiveness and the need for protection. It is our responsibility to try and create platforms and avenues where such meaningful democratic participation can be fostered. What are the obstacles in the implementation of the Act? How can they be overcome? Bureaucratic resistance and the lack of political will continue to threaten the Act, though there have been notable exceptions. If citizens remain vigilant and receive support from people within the system, this movement will progress significantly. The citizen’s sustained struggle against injustice and inequality is its most significant contribution and the most encouraging sign for Indian democracy. Oct 25 On RTI Day, step forward to file a query about issues that matter. This is an I Lead India initiative in partnership with NCPRI
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 07:43:43 +0000
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