'Political will, bureaucratic support must to make RTI a success'

Bangalore, June 3 (UNI) Political will as well as commitment and support are required from the bureaucracy if the benefits of Right to Information (RTI) Act, enacted by the Union Government to bring transparency in administration, have to trickle down to the masses, Union Minister of State for Planning M V Rajasekharan said today.

Speaking at a media workshop on RTI, organised by PIB here, he said RTI would act as a deterrent to corrupt politicians and officials. It was a powerful tool in the hands of the media, which could even pressurise the governments to amend their policies.

Stating that barrier to information was the main cause for spreading corruption. RTI would help open all 'cupboards' of vital information anywhere in public office the Minister added.

Karnataka Chief Information Commissioner K K Mishra, in his address, said RTI had changed the view of the officials that there was no obligation on their part to give information about a government document to people as such matters had to be kept secret.

The view that RTI would hamper work in a government office was wrong as it actually improved the performance of officials.

''Now under RTI, everything is in public domain. It has brought a change in the attitude of bureaucrats. However, public should use powers, given to them under the Act, judiciously and not put unreasonable demands, which can have a overloading effect on a government organisation,'' he added.

DAVP's Inter-media Publication Coordination Committee Chairman A P Frank Noronha said the Act could usher in a practical regime in the country and the officials should gear up for the onerous task of providing whatever information sought by the people.

UNI RS GD SK ND1642