Blow for transparency

The directive from the Central Information Commission to CBSE to permit examination of Union Textiles Minister, Smriti Irani’s class 10 and 12 records is a shot in the arm for the right to information movement. The RTI act was the brainchild of the UPA government, but since it became law, there have been several attempts to undermine it. Till today, the workings of crucial departments of the central government like the income tax department are shrouded in mystery as they are protected under the act. Details of Irani’s were sought by AAP and the Congress following a controversy over her claims of possessing a college degree in a previous election affidavit. The CIC ruled that since Irani was a minister and an elected representative, and since it is mandatory for candidates seeking to be elected to declare their education qualifications, the details sought through an RTI application cannot be treated as private information. While this is good for RTI activists, as they are called these days, there have been instances where the RTI has been misused to target individuals and even extort money. At the same time it has enabled citizens to seek redress. The RTI Act is still a work in progress and the CIC’s order is another blow for transparency in government.