The unseemly haste with which the amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act were pushed through Parliament even in the face of stiff opposition from several political parties and widespread resentment in the civil society betrays the authoritarian mindset of the ruling coalition (“RTI Amendment Bill passed in Rajya Sabha amid protests,” July 27). It is ironical that despite enjoying huge majority, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) feels insecure when it comes to transparency and probity. The RTI became possible not through the generosity of any one political party but because of a prolonged people’s movement. That a sudden political fiat seeks to destroy its spirit is most unfortunate. The amendments done should be forthwith withdrawn or the Bill should be sent to a Select Committee of Parliament.
Satish C. Aikant,
Mussoorie
One of the worrisome features of the Amendment Bill is that it encroaches upon the rights of the the State Governments to appoint State Information Commissioners and gives this power to the Central government. This amounts to an assault on the principle of federalism which is a basic feature of the Constitution.
M. Jameel Ahmed,
Mysuru
