Government backtracks; to withdraw controversial RTI circular (ToI)

TNN | Oct 17, 2013, 01.55 AM IST PANAJI: Stung by criticism for demanding that RslakhRTI applicants submit an affidavit declaring their Indian citizenship, the state government on Wednesday decided to make amends. Chief minister Manohar Parrikar said the circular had not been worded properly and will be withdrawn. "I have issued a direction to clarify on the matter," Parrikar said. He said a new circular will be issued to clarify that applicants seeking information under RTI need not prove they are Indian citizens. Instead a public information officer (PIO) can seek proof to establish a RTI applicant's credentials only if the PIO doubts the applicant's citizenship. Any common document, like voters identity card will suffice as proof, Parrikar said. The statement comes in the wake of moves by activists and other organizations to launch an agitation demanding the withdrawal of the circular. Activist Aires Rodrigues had threatened to move the high court on the issue. TOI had highlighted the issue on Wednesday seeking reactions from RTI activists. This included a suggestion from activist that if the government wanted to establish an RTI applicant's citizenship, PIOs could ask for government-issued identity cards like PAN cards, election photo identity card and aadhar cards. Asked about the necessity of an RTI applicant proving his Indian citizenship, Parrikar said few cases of foreign citizens seeking information under RTI had been brought to the government's notice. The act provides that only Indian citizens can avail information, he said. "The information about evacuee property was sought by a foreign citizen," the chief minister said explaining the reason for the controversial circular. The circular, issued to all public authorities and heads of department, sought that an RTI applicant file an affidavit signed before a notary declaring his Indian citizenship. RTI activists saw this as a ploy by the government to obstruct citizens' efforts to seek information. Social activist Aruna Roy said it was wrong on the government's part to ask for an affidavit swearing citizenship of India and said it would make things difficult for citizens seeking information. "The excuse of foreigners seeking information under RTI is a pretext used by the government to place restrictions on citizens seeking information," national RTI award winner Rajan Ghate said, and described the circular as the new fatwa to conceal information. "If it is because of foreigners, then why ask citizens to swear an affidavit that they are citizens of India?" asked former state coordinator of India against corruption Satish Sonak. He added that the government should have a database of Indian citizens. A few months back, there had been an attempt to exempt vigilance department from the purview of RTI, a move that was shot down by Parrikar. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Government-backtracks-to-withdraw-controversial-RTI-circular/articleshow/24272747.cms