RTI Act a Bridge Between Citizens and Government, Says Assam Governor at NFICI Meet

Guwahati: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Tuesday underscored the transformative role of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in strengthening democracy, calling it a crucial bridge between citizens and the government. Speaking at the inauguration of the 32nd Board of Governors and the 14th Annual General Body Meeting of the National Federation of Information Commissions in India (NFICI), the Governor said the RTI Act has significantly enhanced transparency and accountability in governance since its inception in 2005.

“The RTI Act symbolises a transformative change, acting as a bridge that narrows the gap between the common citizen and the government,” said Governor Acharya. “It empowers people to seek information, reinforcing the principle that citizens are the true rulers in a democracy.”

He highlighted that the RTI Act has been instrumental in curbing corruption, improving service delivery, and amplifying the voices of rural and marginalised communities. According to him, the power of information has enabled citizens to question and hold authorities accountable, which is vital for the health of any democracy.

The Governor also stressed the importance of evolving the RTI framework in line with digital advancements. He advocated the integration of modern technologies like digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to streamline RTI processes and make information more accessible.

“RTI must not be confined to paperwork alone—it should become a part of public behaviour,” Acharya said. He called for wider awareness campaigns, regular workshops, and training initiatives, particularly at the grassroots level, to ensure more inclusive participation in the RTI process.

The meeting, held in Guwahati, was attended by Chief Information Commissioner and NFICI President Heeralal Samariya, along with representatives from various state information commissions across the country. The annual gathering aims to strengthen coordination among the information commissions and discuss measures to improve the RTI ecosystem in India.

Participants at the meeting echoed the Governor’s views and shared insights on the challenges and innovations in implementing the RTI Act across different regions.

As the RTI Act nears two decades since its enactment, the emphasis remains on ensuring that the right to information continues to empower citizens in an increasingly digital and data-driven world.