Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

RTI Act

That the Union Cabinet has decided to bring in amendments to the Right to Information Act (editorial "A big step backwards," July 24) is shocking. Exempting file notings from the purview of the Act is obviously the result of hectic bureaucratic lobbying. As O.P. Kejriwal, Central Information Commissioner, has rightly said, the exemption "will take life out of the law."

G.R. Vora,
Mumbai

The Cabinet's nod for a Bill seeking to amend the Act to exclude file notings from its purview is a retrogressive step in the country's march towards transparent and accountable governance. The objections raised by organisations such as the UPSC are unjustified. Why fear if there is nothing to hide?

A. Chandra Sekhar Reddy,
Kadapa, A.P.

Yet another instance in which the bureaucracy has exceeded its authority. The remedy lies in dealing with the bureaucracy, not in taking away the hard won right of the people. Why amend a good law and make it ineffective? I hope the protests of the citizens will be heard, and the proposal dropped.

Vinod Vyasulu,
Bangalore

It looks like the RTI Act is all set to exclude notings on files by officials in a "few" areas. If the proposed amendment is passed, the Act that was originally enacted for enlightening the people on the goings-on in the corridors of power will become a toothless wonder.

V. Padmanabhan,
Bangalore

Without file notings, the Act will serve no purpose at all. The original move to empower people will stand diluted.

Pooja Paswan,
New Delhi

Only file notings can give an insight into the considerations that go into a government decision. The move to amend the Act is a covert way of shielding the arbitrary actions of the bureaucracy. If amended, the Act can be renamed the Right to Limited Information Act.

Siva Prasad,
Hyderabad

There is no sense in the argument that disclosure of file notings will put pressure on official decisions. The object of the right is to put pressure on officials to take decisions in a fair, just, legal, and transparent manner. The amendments, if passed, will encourage arbitrariness and abuse of power.

Dilip Raghavan,
Madison, Wisconsin

The Government's claims of transparency stand exposed. There is nothing new in our politicians bending the law to serve their needs.

S.J. Clarence,
Mangalore

One wonders why the Government passed the Act when it is not geared to meet the consequences. In fact, it will only become more credible and powerful by sharing information with the people.

D. Anand Babu,
Tirupati, A.P.

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