Close to two decades after the launch of the RTI Act, THE WEEK interviewed Arun Galgali, a well-known RTI activist who believes that Right To Information (RTI) is a revolutionary tool, but it requires both government will and citizen participation to be fully effective.
Q: It's been close to two decades since the RTI Act was passed. Has it been as effective as was expected while framing the law?
A: The RTI Act has played an important role in promoting transparency and accountability. Under this, many cases of corruption were exposed and the general public got access to information. However, this has not been as effective as expected. Many government departments respond late or provide incomplete information. RTI activists face threats and attacks. Information commissions are not appointed on time and their decisions are ignored. Whichever government it may be, when it is in power it is against RTI and when it comes to opposition it becomes a supporter of RTI.
Q: As a well-known RTI activist yourself, what are the loopholes in the law that according to you must be rectified?
A: The safety of RTI activists is the most important issue. The law should include concrete safety measures for activists. There should be strict punishment for officials for delay in providing information or giving wrong information. For this, the first appellate officer should be given powers so that no one will go to the second appeal.
Today this is lacking due to which there are many cases of officers not giving information. Training is necessary for government officials to provide a better understanding of the importance and process of RTI. The process of seeking and receiving information should be made completely digital. Section 4 of the RTI Act 2005 should be strictly implemented.
Q: Which have been the most shocking or shattering revelations as a result of the RTIs which you yourself filed in the past?
A: Many cases of irregularities in public property, frauds by power companies and misuse of public funds were brought to the public notice in Mumbai. After the RTI case of land allotted to Hema Malini at a throwaway price, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis repealed that old law.
Anil Ambani's electricity company paid Rs 2,460 crores which was recovered from the public's bills. Mumbaikars were charged double tax on sewerage along with property tax and water bill which has now been stopped. Funds were given from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to a dance group that went to Bangkok. As soon as the RTI exposed the matter, the funds were deposited back into the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Q: Which country is doing better than India in terms of putting the RTI Act to good use?
A: The RTI Act in India is a strong law, but countries like Mexico and Sweden have implemented it more effectively. In Mexico, the "verifiable accountability mechanism" makes RTI stronger. Sweden's 'Freedom of Information Act' is considered the most transparent globally.
Q: Going forward which are the most pressing issues you think need to be addressed through the RTI?
A: Eradicating corruption is the most important issue. Transparency will be ensured in public services and projects. Environmental information is essential. There should be transparency regarding development projects and their environmental impact.
Health and education are important issues for everyone. Information about the progress of government schemes and the status of funding is very important. Infrastructure and urban development is an issue that needs more attention. Transparency should be emphasised in projects like metro, highways, and smart cities.
