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Karnataka passes right to information bill

The Karnataka Right to Information Bill, 2000, calls upon public authorities to make voluntary disclosure of certain information as specified in the legislation and imposes a penalty for failure to furnish information without any reasonable cause.

Information Minister B K Chandrashekhar, who piloted the bill, said secrecy bred corruption and the mandatory disclosure provisions in the information bill would bring transparency in administration and ensure people's participation.

"We have consciously avoided taking extreme positions in the bill," the minister said, stressing that the government's efforts were to do its best to bring transparency within the existing system. "Even if there is a marginal improvement, we will be satisfied."

Admitting that there were certain loopholes in the bill, he said they would be rectified based on the experience gained out of implementation of the present legislation.

The bill, which seeks to replace an ordinance on the subject, also lists exemption from giving information under certain circumstances, including information relating to cabinet papers.

Tamil Nadu, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already passed similar bills.

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