RTI, a powerful tool that strengthens democracy: Vice Prez

Describing RTI Act as a powerful tool that strengthens democracy, Vice President Hamid Ansari today said it promotes good governance by enhancing the citizen's ability to participate in the process.
The legislative intent of the Right to Information Act was to empower citizens to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every Public Authority, reduce the gap between the information provider and the information seeker, enhance efficiency in administration of public authorities, mitigate corruption and promote good governance, he said.
Ansari was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the New Building of Uttar Pradesh Information Commission here.
The Vice President said there can be little doubt that this Act is one of the most empowering and progressive legislations passed in the post-Independent India.

"This Act provides for better governance, and impacts on the very nature of governance itself," he said.
Ansari said the basic tenets of the Act have been implemented, the institutional mechanisms are in place, and are being used by citizens as a tool to bring in transparency and accountability at all levels of Governance.

He said that while the Civil Society Organizations and Media can act as pressure points, most of the correctives need to be carried out by the Government and Information Commissions.
"There is a need for a sustained mass awareness campaign, need for greater voluntary disclosure of information held with public Authorities, need to rid ourselves of the old mindset regarding secrecy of government processes and transactions and the need for person demanding information under the RTI to be emboldened and secure," he added.

Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, senior Judge, Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court, Justice AP Sahi and the Chief Information Commissioner of UP Jawed Usmari were present on the occasion.