The government on Tuesday moved the much-awaited Right to Information Bill with comprehensive amendments that is aimed at empowering the citizens to get any information from the departments, agencies and bodies of the Central, state and local bodies, besides government-aided institutions.
However, the Bill has left several loopholes which could be exploited by government officials to suppress information. For instance, it will not be binding on the officials to disclose information relating to "security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the state," besides matters forbidden by court and information that can cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the state legislature.
Under the amended Bill there is a provision that in case of denial or delay in information applicants can approach the Central or state information commissions, to be set up under the Act. Officials can be fined up to Rs 25,000 for delay or suppression of information.
The Bill enables the people below the poverty line to get desired information free of cost, while others will have to pay a reasonable price to get information.
Introducing the Bill in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Pachauri said, "The new Right to Information Bill, 2004, will bring about a radical transformation in the lives of citizens of the country by ensuring transparency and accountability in governance".
Though the Bill was earlier scheduled to be passed on Tuesday, Mr Pachauri said he would like to respond to issues raised by members relating to the Bill on Wednesday.
Referring to the clash with the Official Secrets Act, 1923, he said there was a provision that public authority might allow access to information, if "public interest in disclosure outweights the harm to the protected interests."
The Bill was introduced in the Parliament last December, but the government decided to redesign it by accepting 149 amendments suggested by the standing committee and National Advisory Council headed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Cutting across party lines, Lok Sabha members supported the Bill.
