The Congress accused the central government of weakening the RTI Act and eroding transparency. Former MLA Anil Bhardwaj demanded the restoration of independence for Information Commissions, a review of the Digital Data Protection Act, and the implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Act.
New Delhi: In a press conference held at the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee office, Rajiv Bhawan, the Congress accused the BJP government of weakening the RTI Act and ending transparency. Anil Bhardwaj, Chairman of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Communication Department and former MLA, stated that the RTI Act is not merely a law, but a symbol of the constitutional and social empowerment of Indian citizens.
Bhardwaj alleged that the Modi government, through amendments made in 2019, attacked the independence of Information Commissions and deprived the public of their right. He stated that weakening the spirit of the law could shake the foundations of democracy.
DPDP Act Becomes a Tool to Conceal Information
Anil Bhardwaj explained that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), implemented in 2023, has impacted the transparency of RTI. The government is now hesitant to share documents related to voter lists, government expenditure, and public interest.
He added that while earlier the tenure of Information Commissioners was fixed at 5 years, this authority now rests with the central government. This directly impacts the autonomy of the commissions and increases political influence over the executive.
Vacant Posts and Pending Appeals in Information Commissions
Bhardwaj alleged that in the Central Information Commission, only two out of 11 commissioners are working, and the post of Chief Commissioner also lies vacant. As of June 2024, nearly 4 lakh appeals are pending nationwide, with over 23,000 cases pending in the Central Commission alone.
Furthermore, he raised questions about the non-implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Act. This endangers the safety of whistleblowers and those who expose corruption.
Congress Demands Restoration of RTI's Independence
Anil Bhardwaj demanded that the central government revoke the 2019 amendments, restore the independence of Information Commissions, fill all vacant posts immediately, review the anti-public provisions of the DPDP Act, and fully implement the Whistleblower Protection Act. He stated that the participation of journalists, academics, and women in the commissions should be ensured.
He emphasized that the RTI Act is the most crucial democratic reform in modern India. Weakening it would shake the foundations of democracy. The Congress is committed to ensuring every citizen's right to ask questions fearlessly and receive answers.
AAP Also Targeted
Finally, Anil Bhardwaj also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He stated that AAP, which came to power 10 years ago in the name of Jan Lokpal, also deceived the public and failed to fulfill its promises. Now, the BJP government also remains silent on issues of Lokpal and transparency.
Bhardwaj warned that if the government does not protect the public's right to know, serious questions will arise about the democratic system. He affirmed that the Congress party would continue its struggle at every level to protect RTI and transparency.
