Discuss the significance of right to information and its relationship to good governance and development. (200 Words)
Right to information (RTI) came as a weapon of transparency and a medication to enhance accountability. It is a tool of participatory development which has positive impact on good governance and socio-eco service delivery.
Significance of RTI:
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A crucial step towards a deeper, more meaningful democracy
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All human rights depend on the basic right to know, to demand accountability.
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Makes disclosure a norm and secrecy an exception
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Enhances Transparency and Accountability in govt. functions- By giving the options of ”voice” and ”enlightened choices” to citizens
RTI relation with GG:
Accountability, transparency and participation are the key elements of good governance, RTI enhances accountability and transparency in governance by giving ”voice” to citizens and promotes ”informed” participation in decision making.
RTI relation with Development:
The key elements of development are sustainability and Inclusivity. RTI boosts sustainable development by curbing corruption in developmental work and by promoting effective and efficient use of resources. The unearthing of various scams like 2G and related changes made in govt. functioning like transparent auction procedures in this case are an example.
RTI boosts Inclusivity by efficient delivery of public goods and services, unearthing corruption and leakages in govt. Schemes like MGNREGA, PDS etc. are some examples.
With RTI we have to go long way, we still need to work upon RTI & in future we expect a lot for good governance and development from it.