RTI, though being implemented, should be made fully operational, says former Union Minister

 It is not just enough to implement the Right To Information (RTI) Act, but it should be made fully operational, said former Union Minister Sudarsana Natchiappan. 

Speaking at the conference organised by the Tamil Nadu RTI Activist Movement here on Sunday, he added that when he was the chairman of the Parliamentary standing committee, he recommended that no fee be charged for seeking RTI information.  

“I suggested granting information only upon request through a written letter, but eventually it was not accepted and now fee is being charged for RTI information,” he added.  

Some government departments seek an exemption from providing information under RTI Act citing government secrets and personal issues of individuals, he stated.  

Mr. Natchiappan noted that in the age of Artificial Intelligence, there were no secrets. 

“All information can be obtained using a mobile phone. A news report states that China had occupied 10,000 sq.km of Indian territory, where houses and military installations had been built. On what basis the news agency released this information, noting that it could be found simply by using a mobile phone. There are no secrets anymore. All information is on the internet, and one can get information from the website of any government department,” he added.  

Mr. Natchiappan mentioning a Supreme Court judge’s statement about patriotism, he said that judges were accountable to the people and thereby, should deliver verdicts for the people. 

“Their salaries and benefits are also paid with public tax money, as are those of MPs and MLAs. Therefore, people should question everyone,” he added. 

Stating that the GST law was cruel, he said that they collect a tax of ₹7 for idly. “The GST tax system generates an income of up to ₹10 lakh crore per day. 40% of this tax comes from those living below the poverty line. When people ask for tax information, should they not be given an account? The Right to Information Act has brought about many changes.” 

K. Hakeem, an RTI activist and one of the organisers, said that the event was a message to the government that people, by arming the RTI, could change anything and everything.  

“As a prelude to what we proclaim, we are to send 5,000 RTIs seeking information from various departments of the government,” he added.