Kharge slams Centre, says Data Law weakens RTI

The Congress accused the Modi government of weakening the Right to Information (RTI) Act through the new data protection law. Party leaders vowed to fight against what they called a “dictatorial” regime to protect citizens’ rights.

Congress focused on the conflict between the Right to Privacy and the Right to Information. Leaders argued that the law could hide crucial data on public welfare schemes and financial defaulters. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the government on X, claiming it was eroding transparency.

“India ranks high in misinformation and disinformation. Instead of ensuring transparency, the Modi government is weakening the RTI Act introduced by Congress-UPA through this law,” Kharge wrote.

He emphasized that details on ration card holders, MGNREGA beneficiaries, public welfare scheme participants, voter lists, and scamsters fleeing with bank loans must remain public. “Congress’ RTI Act balanced privacy and transparency. It never intended to hide fraudsters’ names,” he said.

Kharge accused the Modi government of using data protection as an excuse to restrict access to critical information. “Congress will not let RTI weaken. We raised our voice before, and we will continue to fight from the streets to Parliament,” he declared.

Congress introduced the RTI Act in 2005 under the UPA government, granting citizens access to government records. The new Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, has raised concerns about limiting public access to such information.

The government insists the law protects personal privacy, citing the Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling in Justice KS Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs. Union of India, which recognized privacy as a fundamental right. However, critics argue the law prioritizes secrecy over transparency, fueling fears of reduced government accountability.