POLITICAL PARTIES UNDER RTI – THE GREAT STEP FOR INDIAN DEMOCRACY

Political parties have been claiming exemption under RTI Act. But the decision of CIC shall change everything now. Political Parties under RTI Act now.

Political Parties affect the lives of citizens, directly or indirectly, in every conceivable way and are continuously engaged in performing public duty. It is, therefore, important that they became accountable to the public. Their uniqueness lays in the fact that inspite of being non-governmental, they come to wield or directly or indirectly influence exercise of governmental power. It would be odd to argue that transparency is good for all State organs but not so good for Political Parties, which, in reality, control all the vital organs of the State.

How Political Parties under RTI

The CIC ruled that “We may also add that the preamble to the Constitution of India aims at securing to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; and, EQUALITY of status and of opportunity. Coincidentally, the preamble of RTI Act also aims to promote these principles in the form of transparency and accountability in the working of the every public authority. It also aims to create an ‘informed citizenry’ and to contain corruption and to hold government and their instrumentalities accountable to the governed. Needless to say, Political Parties are important political institutions and can play a critical role in heralding transparency in public life.”

Corruption is a term we Indians very well aware of, as every now and then news channel flashes breaking news of scams, scandals in which our ministers are involved and they earn a good TRP. Now why I am saying all this is that we cannot play the blame game anymore. If there is corruption not only the minister is guilty, but the whole ministry, people of the country is equally guilty. Because it is not a 1 way traffic, it is a give and take process. If bribe is being asked at any level of govt or private sector, it should not be given rather protested. This is what Anna is asking for. Success and corruption can never go hand in hand. Here Success means progress of the country and not of an individual. Even if someone thinks that he has achieved success through corruption, than he is not mentally sound, he has lost morality and eventually fall in his own trap. Perseverance, sincerity, belief in god are the only mantras for success of any individual or his country. If these ideologies are percolated in every individual mind, then corruption will find no void to exist and will be completely eradicated.