RTI a powerful tool to expose scams: Chavan

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said on Thursday that the Right to Information (RTI) Act hasd enabled the media to expose many scams in recent times.

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said on Thursday that the Right to Information (RTI) Act hasd enabled the media to expose many scams in recent times.

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Chavan said the credit went to the Congress-led Union government for bringing in the law and its effective implementation.

“RTI helps a mediaperson get his hands on information buried in government files. The wrong decisions taken [by the government] can thus be made public.”

After distributing state journalism awards at the Mantralaya, Chavan appreciated the media’s efforts in exposing wrongdoings in the government. He said the media should have a code of conduct so that there is a balance in presenting the news.

“A code of conduct would create a sense of trust between two important pillars of democracy – media and politicians. Ours is a vibrant democracy and it will improve further when we achieve trust,” Chavan said.

“Currently, it appears that scams are happening everywhere,” he added.

Referring to the attacks on media and RTI activists, Chavan said his government would not tolerate any kind of fascism.

He ensured that the state would provide full protection to the media. “Talks are on to make a law to this effect,” he said.

The CM also credited himself for ensuring proper implementation of the RTI Act when he was a minister in the prime minister’s office. He said the Union government would soon pass the Whistle Blower’s Bill that would enable employees to report corruption in the government to the chief vigilance commissioner. “The bill will ensure anonymity of the whistle-blower.”