UPSC Mains 2015 · GS IV · Q4(b) · 10 marks · 150 words

Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial activism, etc., are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. However, it is also being observed that at times the mechanisms are misused. Another negative effect is that the officers are now afraid to take prompt decisions. Analyze this situation in detail and suggest how this dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimized.

हिन्दी में

हाल में हुई कुछ प्रगतियाँ, जैसे कि सूचना का अधिकार (आर० टी० आइ०) अधिनियम, मीडिया और न्यायिक सक्रियता इत्यादि, सरकार के कार्यों में पहले से अधिक पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही लाने में सहायक साबित हो रही हैं। फिर भी, यह भी देखा जा रहा है कि कभी-कभार इन साधनों का दुरुपयोग किया जाता हैं। एक अन्य नकारात्मक प्रभाव यह है कि अधिकारीगण अब शीघ्र निर्णय लेने से डरते हैं। इस स्थिति का विस्तारपूर्वक विश्लेषण कीजिए और सुझाइए कि इस द्विभाजन का हल किस प्रकार निकाला जा सकता है। सुझाइए कि इन नकारात्मक प्रभावों को किस प्रकार न्यूनतमीकृत किया जा सकता है।

Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical Governance

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The RTI law was enacted with the laudable objectives of enhancing transparency in government operations and facilitating access to information for every citizen. However, the abuse of RTI has caused paralysis and fear among government officials. What policy measures would you propose to strengthen the RTI law? [10M]”

Raj Krishna JhaAIR 8 · CSE 2024 · 119 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a date or context

RTI act 2005 was one of our 1st proactive law which enabled positive rights to our citizens .

Body · points

Yet it has led to policy paralysis:

  1. Frequent abuse by RTI activists.
  2. Instilled fear of taking bold decisions.
  3. No incentive to perform better but challenge if taken bold step.
  4. Frequent media trials & public scrutiny of RTI related cases.

Proposed policy measures

  1. Focus on more proactive disclosure than reactive disclosure.
  2. Actions to be initiated against wilful RTI activists.
  3. PIOs should be a powerful ranked officer (min. Dy secretary)
  4. Fixed allocation of budget (min. 1%) for record keeping.
  5. Review of official Secrecy Act

Close

RTI needs strengthening through capable of Central Information Commission

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper IV, Q4(b). The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.