RTI strengthens democracy in most powerful way: Hamid Ansari

Lucknow: Vice President Hamid Ansari, on Monday, addressed the inaugural ceremony of the new building of Uttar Pradesh Information Commission in Lucknow where he described RTI Act as the most powerful tool to strengthen democracy.

Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, senior Judge, Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court, Justice AP Sahi and the Chief Information Commissioner of UP Jawed Usmari were present on the occasion.

What else Ansari said?

• Right to Information (RTI) Act promotes good governance as it enables people’s participation
• RTI Act reduces the gap between information provider and seeker
• It helps in eradicating corruption by bringing transparency

Need of awareness regarding RTI

• A mass awareness campaign is needed to make people understand about its benefits
• Some people are misusing the RTI Act for personal benefits

RTI brought fear among people sitting on top posts

• Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said that RTI act brings transparency in the working of government
• People are in fear that they will have to reply
• The new building will help in its smooth functioning