[Assam] Now This -- From ToI

[Chan Mahanta]

Wasn't this RTI - thingie meant to be the 'real big' reform measure , 
with everyone going ga-ga over  the ostensible new beginning for a 
transparent governance?

cm


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Assets_of_ministers_kin_out_of_RTI_ambit_PMO/articleshow/4060646.cms

Assets of ministers, kin exempt from RTI: PMO



NEW DELHI: At a time when pressure is mounting on the judiciary to 
disclose its assets, the executive wing of the government has come 
into the limelight for its attitude towards transparency.

In a decision that could have a far-reaching impact on administrative 
accountability, the PMO, widely seen as leading the government 
towards transparency has decided to withhold information related to 
assets of ministers and their relatives.

Responding to a query by applicant Subhash Chandra Agrawal, the PMO 
termed the information as exempt under clauses 8(1)(e) and 8(1)(j) 
which relate to immunity granted to "documents fiduciary 
relationship" and "Cabinet documents" under the RTI Act.

Agrawal has now filed an appeal with the Central Information Commission.

Significantly, the PMO had initially agreed to part with the 
information. But in a curious U-turn on December 17, 2008, the PMO 
held that details sought by the applicant were exempt from 
disclosure. The `no' was repeated on January 27, 2009, when Agrawal 
persisted with his effort.

It was last year that Agrawal had filed the RTI application seeking 
details of assets of Union ministers and their relatives for the last 
two years from cabinet secretariat. The letter was forwarded to Prime 
Minister's Office for necessary action.

In his appeal, Agrawal points to the PMO's reversal of stance. "The 
PMO was ready to divulge the information but there has been a change 
in decision," Agrawal said.