Some thoughts on RTI

The best legislation that our ministers have ever passed in the parliament is RTI act. It is one of the most powerful acts, which gives direct power to the people to raise queries and get answers. I think we should really thank the civil society members, ministers and the bureacrats involved in passing the historic act.

With all due respect to RTI act, I would like to critic few parts of this legislation which looks uncomfortable and getting too much into details (atleast for me personally). So here it goes.

Privacy:

Recently President Pratibha patil was in news for her exorbitant foreign travel bills. Her foreign visits have caused around Rs. 205 crores to the exchequer. I think as President she is required to travel different countries and meet different people. She is the first citizen of India, the highest authority in Indian government and needs to carry that image with her, where ever she goes. Comeon she represents India and has to spend money for that. Now who was this gentle man who wanted to know the details of her travelogue and bills. Isnt this getting too much into the personal detials. And look at media, they are ready to post about this at full length with all minute details. Privacy is something which each of us demand and its our right to hide few aspects of our life. We need not disclose everything about ourselves to people. RTI is a wonderful act and should be used sanely. People should use RTI to get relevant information and not about personal details about people in adminstration or government.

Temples and Masjids:

Recently I came across a few news articles which mentioned about temples, masjids and churches coming under RTI act. As far as the legislation goes I believe only public institutions and few other allied instiutions come under RTI act. Is it really necessary to get temples and masjids under RTI.

In India people donate lakhs of rupees to god being anonymous. There are some special bhakts who gift kiritams and what not to impress the Lord. Do you think RTI will work here?.

Transparency is good. Giving access to information is great, but there needs to be a balance between privacy and transparency which RTI act should bring, as it evolves.