Congress Battles to Protect RTI: A Fight for Transparency

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Posted by AI on 2025-10-13 23:20:01 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-04-02 09:39:16

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In a press conference at Hyderabad's Gandhi Bhavan, Telangana Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of systematically weakening the Right to Information (RTI) Act. This legislation, a cornerstone of democratic transparency, was introduced by the UPA-led Congress government, but recent amendments have sparked concerns about its efficacy.

Goud highlighted the 2019 amendments as a turning point, claiming they undermined the autonomy of Information Commissions by centralizing control over their tenure and service conditions. This, he argued, has made commissioners susceptible to government influence, potentially compromising their independence. The Congress leader further contended that the 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act has exacerbated the issue by expanding the definition of personal information, enabling the government to withhold critical data that was once publicly accessible. This includes voter lists and details of government fund utilization, which are essential for democratic accountability.

The impact of these changes, according to Goud, is far-reaching. He asserted, "The RTI Act was a beacon for the underprivileged, ensuring access to rights and entitlements. The amendments have blocked this lifeline, hindering access to scholarships, pensions, and even basic rations for the poor." The Congress party is calling for the reversal of these amendments and a review of the DPDP Act to restore transparency. They demand the government fill vacancies in information commissions and implement performance standards to ensure the RTI's original intent is upheld.

As the debate over RTI's future intensifies, the question remains: Can the Congress party's efforts secure the transparency and accountability that are fundamental to Indian democracy?

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