President stresses on relevance of RTI to have good governance

Kathmandu, May 5: President Ramchandra Paudel has said the relevance of the Right to Information (RTI) has become even more significant in a democracy, as it serves as a vital tool to empower citizens, enhance their oversight of state investments, and promote transparency in governance.     

Absence of citizens' surveillance in the state's investment will lead to the promotion of bad governance and the rise of unilateralism in public bodies, disrupting the rule of law, the President said, adding that the RTI movement is becoming widespread globally in terms of ensuring transparency in the governance system.     

The Head of the State was addressing a programme organised here on Monday on the occasion of the 18th establishment day of the National Information Commission.     

Until and unless citizens' access to information of public entities is ensured, the institutional development of democracy will not be achieved. "The empowerment of citizens is vital to ensure their access to the benefits of democracy," he said, adding that the RTI is the tool for empowering citizens.     

According to the President, modern democratic states have protected the right of citizens to access information based on the principle that government spending from public funds collected through citizens' taxes, as well as government actions, must be accountable to the people.     

Describing transparency and accountability as the foundation of participatory democracy, the President said the citizens' access to public information will help control mismanagement and irregularities, end monopoly and impunity, prevent corruption, guarantee good governance and the rule of law and protect human rights. "That's why it has been said that information is the lifeline of democracy."     

According to the President, the RTI serves as a tool to conduct an audit of the performance of public entities by the citizens, helping the government win the citizens' trust. He called for the effective implementation of the RTI, adding that only a well-informed society will make democracy vibrant.     

Though the increased use of the RTI Act is a positive aspect of democracy, the current situation still requires significant development to advance toward the goals set out in the Constitution and the law, the Head of the State said.     

Many citizens remain unaware of this fundamental right, he said, emphasising the need for more effective implementation of the RTI Act.     

According to the President, information providers should be more responsive, and citizens must be more aware and empowered to exercise this right. (RSS)