Right to Information Act-One more 'U' turn

At last some common sense prevailed upon the UPA leaders and the result was the last minute withdrawal of the proposed amendments to the Right to Information Act in existence for some time is now being used by the Indian Public like never before. The act gives the right to every Indian citizen to know what's happening to his petition or affidavit filed with any Government agency until the final disposal and provision of any wrong information or delay in response can lead to penalty or even loss of job for any employee who delays or distorts such information. Its quiet simple, effective and being used to telling effect by media as well as aggrieved citizen who was hitherto fighting a losing cause running from pillar to post to find the status of his petition and in the process shelling out huge sums as bribes. Many common Indian citizens have got their rations cards, electricity connections, passports etc using this route without the customary bribes
The proposed amendment was to make certain noting in such files not available to public and officers at certain levels thus not accountable. But even the Left which is opportunistic to say the least saw the public mood and simply backed out of the proposed amendments. Hats off to social activists like Anna Hazare who fought tooth and nail against these amendments and for a change the common man has his say!

RK