Central Government Working on Several Legislative Initiatives to Ensure Transparent Administration, no Plan to Amend RTI Act

Central Government Working on Several Legislative Initiatives to Ensure Transparent Administration, no Plan to Amend RTI Act

Central Government has taken a number of initiatives to ensure transparent administration. Inaugurating the two day District Collectors’ Conference in New Delhi, Shri V.Narayanasamy, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted that there are several legislations at various stages of enactment aiming to address the menace of corruption and ensuring transparency. Shri Narayanasamy stated that the “the Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill,2011” will enable the citizens to get delivery of services within the stated time lines.

The Minister stated that the “Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill,2011 provides for appointment of Ombudsmen to inquire into complaints of corruption against certain public servants. Mr. V. Narayanasamy highlighted the role of the Right to Information Act (RTI) in enabling the citizens to get information. The minister made it clear that there was no plan to amend the RTI act at present. He noted that there was a need to protect the persons making a public interest disclosure related to an act of corruption, With this objective in mind, the Whistle Blowers Protection Bill,2011 is being enacted. The Minister stated that the Public Procurement Bill, 2011, now in the Parliament shall regulate Public Procurement by all Government bodies to ensure transparency and promote competition.

Terming the District Collectors as the nucleus of the administration, the Minister appreciated the critical role that the collector plays in implementing the Central schemes in the District. Shri V.Narayanasamy informed that through 14 flagship programmes of the Government, huge amount of money is being given by the Central Govt. to States for Public welfare Scheme.

The two day District Collectors’ Conference is being held from 11th to 12th January in New Delhi and is organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances to provide an opportunity to the District Collectors to share their experience.