The Chapter 5 of the Right to Information (RTI) Bill, which talks about the exemption from disclosure of information, saw an extensive deliberation in the National Assembly yesterday. A few of the MPs argued the eight sub-sections would make it difficult for citizens to access information through RTI. But there were others who argued that all the sections were important to disclose information without hurdles.
The Bill was passed today after two days of deliberations.
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The Chapter 5 of RTI Bill titled ‘Exempt Official Information’ states the conditions or grounds on which a public authority may refuse to disclose the requested information. Some members pointed out that the sub-sections one to six, which are straight out from the Constitution would suffice. They said the remaining eight subsections were not required. But, some members disagreed and supported the need for the sub-sections.
The House, finally, resolved to keep the entire sub-sections through a vote.
The MPs also decided to do away with the sections that mandated those requesting information to state a reason for doing so.