RTI on bullet train: What the railway ministry response says about government transparency
In a democracy, transparency is the most fundamental obligation the government owes to its citizens, and the Right to Information Act (RTI) was one of the biggest steps in that direction.
Prime Minister Modi has always been one of the most vocal advocates of transparency. The PM India website under the heading, "Quest for Transparency", says, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly believes that transparency and accountability are the two cornerstones of any pro-people government. Transparency and accountability not only connect the people closer to the government but also make them equal and integral part of the decision making process."
In its second paragraph, it goes on to say, "During his record four terms as chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi demonstrated strong commitment to an open and transparent government. Rules and policies were not framed in AC chambers, but among the people. Draft policies were put online for people to give their feedback and suggestions."
The third paragraph says, "His strong resolve for transparency backed by the manner in which he put this commitment to practice indicates an era of open, transparent and people- centric government for the people of India."
Taking a cue from this motto even the Supreme Court Collegium has made judicial appointments transparent. It has begun posting all decisions on judicial appointments and transfers on its website to ensure transparency.
Expecting the same level of transparency, I had asked a few questions to the Ministry of Railways about bullet trains through an RTI application, especially at a time when the entire country is debating the utility and need for the same.
See the response to the first two questions - 1 and 3.
Rather than answering basic questions like "when did the negotiations with Japan start" and was "the bullet train part of a 2013 agreement", the ministry almost mocks at the question and even tries to cast aspersions on the motive of the applicant.
In response to question number 4, where I asked for a copy of the agreement between Japan and India, the railway ministry simply refused to share it. And the grounds for the refusal seem interesting. They say, "It is likely to affect the competition position of agencies working on high speed development projects(s) and will also breach the trust/ confidence/relations with foreign governments."
While the previous Manmohan Singh government implemented the RTI as their flagship programme, the Modi government should have taken it forward. But it seems many officials have learnt the fine art of how to confuse the applicant with misleading information.
The Modi government may espouse a strong committment to transparency, but the response to the above RTI application seems to be working against that spirit.