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DPDP Act Concerns: Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi and other opposition leaders criticize the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, fearing it will dilute the Right to Information (RTI) framework. They are urging the repeal of Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act.
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RTI Act Amendment: The DPDP Act proposes to amend Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, potentially restricting the disclosure of personal information even if it serves a larger public interest. The two key grounds on which information could be disclosed provided it serves larger public interests, have been done away with.
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Government’s Stance: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asserts the DPDP Act protects personal information (citing
the Puttaswamy judgment on privacy as a fundamental right) and is in harmony with transparency. -
RTI Act’s Purpose: The RTI Act aims to empower citizens, promote transparency, accountability, and contain corruption in government.
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RTI Act’s Structure: The RTI Act established Central and State Information Commissions to handle appeals and complaints.
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Challenges to Information Commissions: Vacancies, mounting pendency, delayed hearings, opacity, and casual handling of RTI
queries are challenges for the Central Information Commission. State Information Commissions also face issues like being defunct, headless, and delays. -
Right to privacy is integral part of right to life as stated in Puttaswamy Judgement.
RTI Act
