Govt to amend laws to strengthen RTI Act

The Centre on Wednesday said it proposes to strengthen the Right to Information Act by making changes in the laws to provide for disclosure by government in all non strategic areas.

The Centre on Wednesday said it proposes to strengthen the Right to Information Act by making changes in the laws to provide for disclosure by government in all non strategic areas.

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“It is proposed to review the number of organisations in the second schedule to the Right to Information Act, 2005 and make rule for more disclosure of information by public authorities,” Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Prithviraj Chavan told the Rajya Sabha.

Government has received representations expressing doubts about the proposed amendments. Non-Governmental Organisations and social activists will be consulted on the proposed amendments, he said adding “no time frame can be fixed for completion of the process”.

Government has also conducted a study through an independent organisation to assess the key issues and constraints in implementation of the RTI Act, 2005.

“The study recommended measures for improving awareness on right to information, improving convenience in filing information requests, improving efficiency of the Information Commissions, enhancing accountability and clarity of various stakeholders,” Chavan said.