The central government’s audacity in federally stifling democracy and people’s rights is evidenced by its disregard for the Right to Information Act. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all government spokespersons and representatives make great claims about their achievements on public platforms, but the drum inside the drum tells a different story. There are 10 posts of Information Commissioners in the Central Information Commission, out of which 8 have been lying vacant for a long time. When two posts, including the Chief Information Commissioner, were filled last year, the state and government media presented it as if the Modi government had shot some unknown arrow. Due to the non-appointment of Information Commissioners, 23 thousand appeals are waiting for hearing in the Central Information Commission alone. This is also a way to trample on people’s rights by making public institutions impotent. Unfortunately, some state governments are also following in the footsteps of the Centre. Even after two decades of the RTI Act, it is being seen that governments are starting to panic in the name of transparency and people empowerment. Delaying or denying information to undermine the spirit of the law has become a big hobby. The best way to completely destroy the commission is to keep the posts vacant. There will be no hearing, nor will the information be able to go out, but in public debates, government spokespersons will keep patting themselves on the back on the issue of public welfare. The simple fact is that when a large number of posts remain vacant, there will be a correspondingly large number of appeals. This simply means that despite the right to obtain information, the way to provide information should be closed. This is what the ruling elite wants.
Thankfully, this issue has once again come up in the Supreme Court. It has raised questions about keeping a large number of posts vacant in the Central and some State Information Commissions. A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjwal Bhuiyan of the Supreme Court has said that these are the commissions where people appeal when they are denied access to information or when the officials nominated in various departments and institutions make excuses for not providing information. The bench has noted that 8 posts of Information Commissioners are vacant in the Central Information Commission and 23 thousand appeals are pending. The Supreme Court has also sought the response of some state governments. The court has noted that if the institutions do not have any office bearers to ensure compliance of the necessary duties under the law, then how will they work? The court has asked the Central Department of Personnel and Training to complete the selection process as soon as possible and make appointments of 8 Information Commissioners. It has also sought the list of applicants for the posts of the search committee. It has also asked the state governments to take action.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 was intended to empower citizens, increase transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government, curb corruption and strengthen democracy. It helps citizens to get information about the activities of the government, but the rulers are on the verge of destroying this law under a calculated conspiracy.
