Panaji, October 12, 2025:
On the 20th anniversary of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Indian National Congress has accused the Modi-led BJP government of systematically undermining one of India’s strongest tools of transparency and public accountability.
In a statement issued on the occasion, the Congress recalled that under the UPA government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, the historic RTI Act came into force on October 12, 2005, marking a new era in citizen empowerment. The law was a cornerstone of the UPA’s rights-based governance model, which also introduced key legislations like the MGNREGA (2005), Forest Rights Act (2006), Right to Education (2009), Right to Fair Compensation in Land Acquisition (2013), and the National Food Security Act (2013).
Congress emphasized that RTI transformed governance by giving citizens the right to access public information, ensuring transparency in the functioning of authorities, and empowering marginalized sections to secure ration entitlements, pensions, wages, and scholarships.
However, the party alleged that since 2014, the RTI framework has been deliberately weakened, eroding the transparency that once defined the democratic setup of the country.
Erosion of RTI Independence and Autonomy
Congress highlighted that the 2019 amendments to the RTI Act marked the first major blow, allowing the Union Government to decide the tenure and service conditions of Information Commissioners—diluting their autonomy and increasing executive influence.
Further, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 was criticized for amending Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, redefining “personal information” in a way that makes disclosure nearly impossible—even when public interest is involved. The party warned that this change effectively blocks access to crucial public data such as voter lists, expenditure records, and use of public funds, undermining public audit and scrutiny.
Weakening of Information Commissions
The Congress statement drew attention to the alarming state of Central and State Information Commissions, many of which are operating with severe staff shortages.
As of September 2025, the Central Information Commission has only two commissioners against the sanctioned strength of 11, with the Chief Information Commissioner’s post vacant. Despite Supreme Court directions for time-bound appointments, several commissions remain non-functional.
A Satark Nagrik Sangathan report (2023-24) found that 7 out of 29 State Information Commissions were defunct for periods last year. The total backlog of RTI appeals and complaints stood at over 4.05 lakh cases by mid-2024—nearly double the 2019 figure.
Congress said the government’s reluctance to share information—ranging from expenditure on the Prime Minister’s foreign tours to the functioning of the PM CARES Fund—shows a deliberate attempt to restrict public scrutiny. Even in the Electoral Bonds case, the party noted, details of political funding were revealed only after a Supreme Court directive.
Attacks on RTI Activists and Non-Implementation of Whistleblower Protections
Highlighting threats faced by RTI users, the Congress recalled the murders of activists like Shehla Masood and Satish Shetty, both of whom had exposed corruption and illegal land dealings. The party condemned the government’s failure to operationalize the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, passed during the UPA regime but never implemented under the Modi government.
“This deliberate refusal to notify rules leaves those who expose corruption vulnerable to intimidation, harassment, and even physical attacks,” the statement said, adding that India remains an exception among democracies for not protecting whistleblowers despite having a law in place.
Congress Puts Forth Key Demands
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the Congress called for immediate steps to restore and strengthen the RTI framework, listing six key demands:
- Restore the independence of Information Commissions by reversing the 2019 amendments and ensuring fixed five-year tenures.
- Review and amend Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act to prevent misuse of “personal information” exemptions.
- Fill all vacancies in Central and State Commissions through a transparent, time-bound process.
- Mandate public performance standards and reporting on disposal rates of RTI cases.
- Implement the Whistle Blowers Protection Act to safeguard those exposing corruption.
- Ensure diversity in appointments, including journalists, activists, academics, and women representatives.
“RTI Is a Tool of Justice and Dignity”
“RTI is not merely a law—it is a means of constitutional and social empowerment,” the Congress said, warning that its erosion represents an erosion of democracy itself.
On this 20th anniversary, the party reaffirmed its resolve to defend citizens’ right to ask questions and to strengthen the institutions that guarantee transparency and accountability in governance.
