Sonia Gandhi emerges (again) as knight defending RTI

It is difficult to say why such proposed changes to Right to Information Act are given the branding as PM vs. Sonia which almost makes it look like some kind of drama, rather than making it into discussions involving citizen stakeholders beyond the top few powerful people of India.

http://www.dailypioneer.com/254636/PM-proposes-Sonia-disposes.html

After receiving these letters, Sonia had written to the Prime Minister last year saying, “It will, of course, take time before the momentum generated by the Act makes for greater transparency and accountability in the structures of the Government. But the process has begun and it must be strengthened... It is important, therefore, that we adhere strictly to its original aims and refrain from accepting or introducing changes in legislation on the way it is implemented that would dilute its purpose. In my opinion, there is no need for changes or amendments. The only exceptions permitted, such as national security, are already well taken care of in the legislation.” She, in fact, said that lack of training of Government staff, inadequate record maintenance, harassment of applicants and lack of awareness needed to be addressed.

The end result, or temporary relief maybe, is still beneficial to common people who want RTI act to retain its teeth to let people uncover corruption and incompetence in government departments.

Also show your might as a citizen and sign the online petition below which opposes amendments in RTI Act:

http://www.petitiononline.com/rtiglory/petition.html