Relevance: GS II (Governance – Accountability & Transparency) | Source: The Hindu / Economic Survey 2025-26
1. The Context: A Clash of Views
The Economic Survey 2025-26 has sparked a debate by suggesting that the Right to Information (RTI) Act needs a re-look.
The Survey’s View: It argues that excessive scrutiny of policy deliberations “unduly constrains governance,” making officers afraid to take bold decisions (policy paralysis). It views some RTI queries as “idle curiosity.”
The Counter-View: The editorial argues that RTI is not a burden but a flashlight. It reduces “Information Asymmetry” (where the government knows everything, and the citizen knows nothing). It has been crucial in exposing scams like Adarsh and Vyapam.
2. The Legal Dilution (DPDP Act)
The article highlights that the RTI Act is already being weakened, not by “idle” citizens, but by new laws.
The Shift: The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 has amended the RTI Act.
The Impact: Previously, “personal information” could be disclosed if it served the public interest. Now, the DPDP Act creates a blanket ban on disclosing personal data, potentially hiding names of corrupt officials or loan defaulters under the guise of “privacy.”
3. “No Data” Syndrome
The article criticizes the government’s recent trend of claiming “No Data” on critical issues—like migrant deaths during Covid or farmer suicides. Transparency is essential for a stable economy; an opaque state cannot build a “fair economic environment.”
UPSC Value Box
| Concept / Act | Relevance for Prelims |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Basis | The RTI Act is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, but the Supreme Court has ruled it is implied under Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech & Expression). |
| DPDP Act, 2023 | It amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. It removed the “public interest” override, making the exemption of personal information absolute. |
| Girish Mittal Case (2021) | A landmark SC judgment where the Court compelled the RBI to disclose information on willful defaulters and NPAs, rejecting the plea of “economic secrecy.” |
Question
Q. With reference to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, consider the following statements:
- The Supreme Court has held that the Right to Information is a derivative of the Fundamental Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a).
- The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, amended the RTI Act to allow the disclosure of personal information if it serves the larger public interest.
- The office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) does not come under the ambit of the RTI Act.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (a)
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