Modi govt has betrayed people: Anna Hazare on RTI Act changes
Pune: A day after the Lok Sabha passed amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, social activist Anna Hazare on Tuesday accused the Union government of betraying Indian citizens through the move.
On Monday, the Lok Sabha amended the RTI Act that allowed the Centre to prescribe the term of office, salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions.
It also changes the status of the Information Commissioners, who were on a par with Election Commissioners as per the original RTI Act.
"India got the RTI Act in 2005 but with this amendment in the RTI Act, the government is betraying the people of the this country," he said.
Hazare, 82, said his health is not in a good condition but if people of the country take to the streets to safeguard the sanctity of the RTI Act, he would be ready to join them.
Hazare, whose movement prompted the then Maharashtra government to enact a revised Maharashtra Right to Information Act which was considered as the base document for the Right to Information Act 2005, was speaking to reporters at his village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district.
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Ahead of polls, Mamata says her govt will constitute development boards for 5 communities
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced that her government would constitute new cultural and development boards for five communities.
Banerjee, who made the announcement ahead of the assembly polls, said the boards will safeguard the customary rights and ensure socio-economic growth of these communities.
"I am pleased to announce that our government intends to constitute soon five new Cultural and Development Boards for the Munda (ST), Kora (ST), Dom (SC), Kumbhakar (OBC) and Sadgope (OBC) communities," she said in a social media post.
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Stating that these communities are integral to the vibrant fabric of the state, the CM said, "The boards will protect their unique languages and traditions while ensuring better education, healthcare, and jobs."
Banerjee said that since 2013, her government has established many such boards for our weaker communities, ensuring their all-around development.
"We remain dedicated to ensuring no community is left behind," she said, asserting that her government's goal is "to bring a smile to every face through inclusive progress and unwavering support".
Elections to the 294-member assembly in West Bengal are expected to be held in April, with Banerjee's TMC eyeing a fourth straight term in power.
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