Information Is Power

Bini Dahal

In a classroom, let’s take two students, one very informed and the other not so much. A clear distinction is seen between the two when class discussions are held. The one with the knowledge is sure to lead the discussion backed up with concrete facts – better than his/her counterpart. Thus, the main idea is that information is power. And this simple concept can be applied in a democratic setting as well where information is considered to be the backbone of democratic practice. 

The right to information, as enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, gives citizens the freedom to demand and receive any pertinent information from public institutions or political parties. This provision is an important milestone in terms of transparency and accountability. However, most people still seem to be completely unaware of their rights, and the aware ones are limited to individuals like journalists.

 The National Information Commission (NIC) is one such governmental body that monitors whether every public office is abiding by the Right to Information Act or not. The Act ensures everyone’s right to information. However, the NIC’s monitoring is mostly based on complaints made by people against responsible public officials. Despite this, in a recent move, the authority punished chiefs of almost three dozen public offices. Those facing music include four TU Service Commission employees, seven examination controllers of different universities, one TU rector, four chiefs of local governments, six school principals and campus chiefs, and 11 others. 

Apparently, the officials had failed to share the information with those seeking it. The list is a clear indication that our public education system lacks a transparent mechanism. Issues like copying past questions for undergraduate board examinations have made the institution a laughing stock. Seeking any information is required for greater accountability, transparency and overall good governance. When there is a constant demand for vital information from the side of the public, the authorities need to address the demand. 

It can help improve the performance of the public bodies and authorities concerned as well. This also helps enhance citizens’ trust in the public bodies. With better communication between authorities and citizens, the service delivery system becomes more efficient. 

Considering such importance of information dissemination, every citizen must be aware of their rights. We lack the habit of questioning and cross-questioning every action of public institutions. As taxpayers, we have the right to know where and how the money they have paid is being spent. 

Information is the key tool to make the democratic system functional. Irregularities and other anomalies can be controlled. While Nepal prides itself on being the first South Asian nation when it comes to introducing the Right to Information Act, up until now very little has been done. It was first prescribed in the 1990s as the fundamental right of citizens. Civil society and the media, should play a more active role in promoting the concept of the right to information in society. 

Also, human resource capacity should be enhanced for the optimum utilisation of Information Communication and Technology (ICT). When you are unaware, even after seeing someone doing something wrong, you do not feel that your words are impactful enough to make a change. Awareness in itself is a strong tool to regulate information access while subsequently ensuring good governance. This really helps ensure transparency, accountability and credibility while reducing instances of corruption significantly.