In a stark revelation that highlights systemic failures in transparency governance, a senior information commissioner has pointed out a deep crisis in the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The official stressed that the focus must urgently shift from appeals to understanding why information is denied at the first instance.
Systemic Failure in RTI Implementation
Amravati Information Commissioner and retired IAS officer, Ravindra Thakare, delivered a hard-hitting assessment on Sunday. Speaking at the 'Jansamvaad' event organized by the NGO Janmanch in Nagpur, Thakare questioned the very foundation of the process. He asked why, when the information already exists within government departments, it is routinely not supplied to applicants within the mandatory 30-day period, forcing them into lengthy appeal processes.
Thakare revealed a shocking statistic: nearly 70–80% of the Public Information Officers (PIOs) and other officials tasked with handling RTI queries are not functioning in the true spirit of the law. This widespread non-compliance creates a major barrier for ordinary citizens seeking accountability. "Without filing a first appeal, almost no one gets the information they ask for," Thakare stated bluntly, indicating that denial is the default response from a majority of officials.
The Gap Between Strong Laws and Citizen Empowerment
Thakare elaborated on a critical paradox in Indian democracy. While the country has robust and powerful laws like the RTI Act, very few citizens possess the knowledge or persistence to use them effectively against an uncooperative bureaucracy. This gap renders the law less powerful than intended.
To bridge this gap, the commissioner made a compelling appeal. He urged retired government officials, who understand the system from within, to step up as responsible stakeholders in democracy. He called on them to actively support and guide citizens in understanding their rights and navigating the procedural maze of the RTI process.
Addressing Delays and Modernizing Hearings
The commissioner also addressed the issue of prolonged delays, which often cause applicants to lose interest and abandon their quest for information, effectively defeating the purpose of the Act. To tackle some of the logistical challenges and speed up the process, the Information Commission has embraced technological solutions.
Especially in the post-Covid era, the commission has adopted video conference hearings for appeals. This move aims to make the appeal process more accessible and efficient for citizens who may not be able to travel long distances for in-person hearings, potentially reducing the time and cost involved in seeking justice.
The revelations at the Janmanch event serve as a crucial reminder that the strength of a transparency law lies not just in its text but in its faithful implementation. The call for accountability now extends not only to serving officials but also to retired civil servants who can play a pivotal role in empowering citizens.
