Rti Problem in India

Impact of Right to Information on Development: A Perspective on India’s Recent Experiences

(An invited lecture delivered at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France, on May 15, 2008)

M. M. Ansari
Information Commissioner E-mail: mm.ansari@nic.in

Central Information Commission New Delhi

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Contents
Opening Remarks

1. 2.

Introduction Right to Information: A response to Paradigm shift in Development Approach

2.1. 2.2.

Democratisation of Information and Knowledge Increasing Demand by NGOs for Participation in Development Activities.

2.3. 3. 4. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 5. 5.1. 5.2. 6.

Citizen-Centric Approach to Development. Salient Feature of Right to Information Act, 2005. Assessing the Impact of RTI on the Elements of Good Governance. Greater Transparency Greater Accountability Promotion of Citizen-Government Partnerships Reduction in Corruption. Future of Right to Information: Tasks Ahead Proactive and suo motu Disclosure of Information Promote Information Literacy Concluding Remarks

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Impact of Right to Information on Development:∗
A Perspective on India’s Recent Experiences
M. M. Ansari† Information Commissioner Opening Remarks Respected Prof. A.W. Khan, ADG, UNESCO, and distinguished members of the staff of UNESCO, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to be associated with the Lecture series on Potential of Information and Communication Strategy for Development, organised by the Communication and Information Division of UNESCO. I am grateful to Prof. A.W. Khan for asking me to share our experiences with regard to the implementation of RTI and its impact on governance and development. My presence here today at UNESCO Headquarters is due entirely to your professional commitment to promote information and communication strategy as instrument to effect changes in the way we live today, particularly in the developing world. It is almost six decades that all the member countries of United Nations resolved to promote freedom of information...