RTI Act yet to benefit masses

[sidmis]

RTI Act yet to benefit masses
as reported by Statesman News Service

DHENKANAL, Aug. 17: Though the right to information (RTI) Act is known
as the common man's weapon against corruption, the vested interest
groups have benefited more by its use, said newly-appointed state
information commissioner Mr Jagadananda here today.

While delivering the 16th foundation day lecture on 'Role of media in
ensuring governance accountability' at the Indian Institute of Mass
Communication (IIMC) today, the information commissioner pointed out
that the accountability of legislature, executive and judiciary should
also be maintained in a bid to make the system more transparent and
people-friendly.

"Though the RTI Act was envisaged as a weapon for the poor and
downtrodden and the victims of development, it is really unfortunate
that these particular sections of mass are yet to derive the benefit
of the revolutionary Act," he regretted. The vested interest groups
collect information and use those for their own interests, while the
common people are yet to access it, he said while underscoring the
role of media in helping the common people availing the benefits of
the Act.

"Social auditing, citizens' charter also play greater roles in making
the system transparent," he noted. Later, while responding to
questions put by the students, Mr Jagadananda admitted that the
commission has been facing a lot of difficulties for the lack of
adequate infrastructural support.

"Poor management of records and inconveniences in accessing them later
also creates problems for information-seekers," he observed while
maintaining that a good deal of time is spent locating the related
files.

"Proper information management and sensitisation of people by the mass
media will facilitate the functioning of the commission," he remarked.
... ...
The Statesman