RTI a Weapon against Corruption now Weakened by Central Govt – Khader

RTI a Weapon against Corruption now Weakened by Central Govt – Khader

Mangaluru: “The Right to Information act is a weapon to eliminate corruption but the Central government has weakened it by gaining control over the information commission. Earlier an RTI activist whenever he/she needed information on transparency was available through the information commission but now to obtain information there is a need to get approval from the Union government. Since this development is very dangerous for the country, the people of this country should oppose it”, said the former district minister in-charge U T Khader in a press meet held at the Circuit House here on July 24.

Addressing the media persons U T Khader said, “The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019, passed in the Lower House, seeks to empower the central government on deciding the terms of chief information commissioners and information commissioners at both the central and state levels, as well as have a say on the salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service”.

U T Khader further said, “In 2005, when the UPA government was in power, the right to information act was passed by the Parliament. Under this provision of Act, any citizen of this country can get any information from a public authority which is required to reply expeditiously or within thirty days. But now it is not possible to get the information within thirty days. The government can take its own time to provide information. Earlier we had taken information about the Rafale deal but hereafter the Union government should give permission to provide any information. Earlier the State and Central Information Commissions were independent bodies and the Central Information Commission had no jurisdiction over the State Information Commission. Hereafter the RTI will come under the Union government and the salary of chief information commissioners and information commissioners will be given by the Union government”.

Briefing on the English Medium schools U T Khader said, “Last week the state government granted permission to 5 English Medium schools in each constituency. Today in my constituency we have started 3 government schools in Babukatte, Balepuni and Amblamogeru. I have asked to start additional batches since the number of students in each class are more. All the government school teachers are also trained to teach in the English medium”.