Sharmila accuses NDA government of weakening RTI Act on its 20th anniversary

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y. S. Sharmila on Sunday accused the BJP-led Central government of diluting the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which was originally enacted by the Congress government in 2005.

“The Congress party demands immediate steps to restore its original strength, independence, and inclusiveness,” she posted on X. Sharmila alleged that the Modi administration had systematically weakened the RTI framework through amendments that curtailed its effectiveness, particularly by restricting access to personal and political information and undermining the institutional independence of Information Commissions.

Highlighting the importance of the Act, she described the RTI as a “common citizen’s weapon of courage,” a symbol of transparency in governance, and one of the most significant legislations passed after the framing of the Constitution. “It empowered citizens and made the government accountable, marking a revolutionary step in Indian democracy,” she said.

Pointing to lapses in the implementation of the law, Ms. Sharmila noted that the Central Information Commission (CIC) is functioning without a chief and is short of its full complement of members. Across the country, more than four lakh RTI applications remain pending as of 2024, reflecting how the system has been constrained.

On the 20th anniversary of the RTI Act, the Congress party demanded the repeal of the 2019 amendments and the restoration of the five-year tenure for Information Commissioners. It also called for reinstatement of the Commissions’ autonomy, appointment of all 11 members, strict implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Act, and adequate representation of journalists, women, and academics in the Commissions.