Manmohan rejects Sonia' s suggestion on RTI Act

New Delhi, Mar 5: The opinion on amending the RTI has apparently brought a discord between usually cooperative Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. It has been reported that the Prime Minister has rejected Sonia Gandhi's suggestion on amending the RTI Act.

According to media report Manmohan Singh has decided to stand firm with his decision to keep the Chief Justice of India outside the purview the Act, while Congress President is against it.

Singh said that excluding the CJI from the RTI would ensure the information related to the appointment of judges and higher administrative decisions can be kept confidential.

The other changes proposed by the Prime Minister is the exemption of the discussions on policy decisions from the RTI Act.

Singh is also believed to have written a letter to Sonia Gandhi regarding the necessary changes required to address the judiciary's concerns.

The Prime Minister has decided to disallow frivolous queries under the Act.

The amendment of RTI Act by Singh drew criticism from the NGOs and the Left parties after it was revealed that CJI KG Balakrishnan in Nov 2009 had approached the PM over the possible difficulties that CJI will face if his office is brought under the RTI Act.

According to media report, the Congress President in her reply to Singh's letter explained her apprehension on the amendment of the RTI Act and had asked for the proper implementation of the Act.

OneIndia News