http://www.theindiancatholic.com/newsread.asp?nid=2797 

 

A Catholic group has joined activists to urge the Indian government "not to dilute" the Right to Information act, which guarantees citizens certain rights to have information from government records. Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS) based in Bombay archdiocese has joined a campaign to oppose amendments proposed to the act, which it said "was is not acceptable to the citizens."

The UPA government in the center as part of its Common Minimum Program (CMP) had implemented the act, which it had promised. "Now there is a turnaround in trying to dilute" it with amendments, the BCS said in a press note.

The Catholic group condemned move terming it "anti-people." It supported the campaign launched by Shailesh Gandhi, an activist. The BCS will shortly organize a public meeting to garner public opinion on "this very important issue," the press note said.

Shailesh said in a separate mail that many different groups and individuals came met seeking ways to protest the government’s plan to "attack the freedom of Citizens by diluting the provisions" of the act.

"We are convinced that any subterfuge by the Government in the guise of improving transparency and accountability will be a move to take back the freedom and rights we have got now. Citizens of India will not permit this," it said.

The groups of people are planning protest gathering in Mumbai and elsewhere to stop the amendments, he said.