I heard about the recent amendment approved to exempt file notings from the ambit of RTI Act. This is a very retrogressive step and will keep India in the dark ages.
File notings are the heart and soul of the decision-making process. Hiding that from public view will only increase arbitrariness in Government.
It promotes corruption and belies India's commitment towards a transparent and accountable Government.
It protects corrupt bureaucrats.
India has a very bad name internationally as a corrupt country. As Indians living abroad, we were overjoyed when we learnt about the RTI Act. The proposed amendment lends weight to those who continue to decry India as an impossible place to live or do business in.
It will discourage investors, particularly the smaller entrepreneurs who create more jobs for less investment and are unwilling to pay bribes or deal with arrogant Government officials.
Section 8 of the Act already provides overarching exemption possibilities. It is dishonourable for the Prime Minister to go back on his word barely a year after the enactment of the most important people-friendly legislation. All the good will earned by the UPA Government will be squandered by this amendment.
People in the US and India will fight this amendment and this is likely to be a source of embarassment for the Indian GOvernment.
