The RTI Act to contain corruption

None keeps unwell estimation about the significance of the RTI Act 2005. Nevertheless, many constitutional bodies refuse to comply with provision of the Act. The latest in this respect is he Supreme Court refusing to answer queries filed under the right to information act. The RTI questions, filed by activist Subhash Agrawal seeking a complete copy of records regarding Judge Dinakaran’s proposed elevation was denied by the Apex court. This is not an isolated case. The office of the Speaker of Kerala Assembly also took a similar decision denying document regarding an enquiry relating the speech of T M Jacob against the Oommen Chandy ministry. Even university-affiliated private colleges in Kerala, which receive grant-in-aid and money for salary of the employees from Sate Government took a similar stance saying that they are out of the purview of the RTI Act. This posture, however, has been quashed by the High Court.

I think a few State Governments are not aware of some of the aspects of the Act. The need of the hour is, therefore, a clear cut direction regarding the Act. None should be permitted to act above the Act. The difficulties faced by the people in receiving information from different departments at different stages should be reduced. RTI Act is aimed at containing corruption and to keep accountability in a democratic set up. To achieve these ideals, the Act should to be implemented in letter and spirit.

K A Solaman