New Delhi – India’s reputation and recognition as a leading world democracy received a major shot in the arm when the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the Indian Parliament) passed the Right to Information Bill, in keeping with a promise the United Progressive Alliance had made in its Common Minimum Programme.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh declared that it would usher in a new era in the process of governance, performance and efficiency.

Welcoming the Bill, Dr. Singh said the legislation would ensure that the benefits of growth would flow to all sections of the people, eliminate corruption and bring the concerns of the common man to the heart of all processes of governance.

The Bill, Dr. Singh said, "lays down the procedure for accessing information, which is simple, easy, time-bound and inexpensive."

The Bill lays down stringent penalties for failing to provide information or affecting its flow. "In fact, it imposes obligations on agencies to disclose information suo motu, thus reducing the cost of access."

The Prime Minister wanted civil servants to view the Bill in a positive spirit. They should not see it as a "draconian law for paralysing Government, but as an instrument for improving Government-citizen interfacing, resulting in a friendly, caring and effective functioning."

Dr. Singh emphasised that the Bill was more far-reaching and effective than the existing Freedom of Information Act. He appreciated the role of the National Advisory Council headed by Sonia Gandhi in bringing into focus major drawbacks in the earlier legislation. He urged the State Governments to take the initiative and establish State Information Commissions.

Ms. Gandhi was among those who took an active part in the in preparation and passage of the Bill. She was seen thumping the desk with both hands while passing the Bill by voice-vote.

Suresh Pachauri, the Minister for Personnel who moved the Bill in the Parliament said, "Some of the clauses would come into effect soon after it was passed by the Rajya Sabha and received presidential assent. Others would become operational within 120 days."

As per the Bill, there would be an Information Commissioner who would be selected by a panel comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.

Under the provisions of the Bill, there will be charges for the information; however, no fees would be levied for people below poverty line.

It is reported that the items exempted under the Bill was the least among similar laws enacted by other countries.






Surojit Chatterjee
Christian Today Correspondent