National Information Day Being Observed Today

The National Information Day is being observed today by organizing various programmes. The Day is marked to commemorate the introduction of RTI Act, 2064. Various organizations are holding programmes to observe the Day that celebrates the value of information.

The RTI Act was passed by the parliament on Saun 5, 2064BS and came into force since Bhadra 3, 2064BS.

Article 27 of Constitution has provided right to information to every citizen to seek and receive information of his or public concern. The public agencies are obliged to share information in line with RTI Act and the constitutional provision.

Even the practice of proactive disclosure by the public agencies is advocated by the RTI Act. RTI is regarded as an anti-corruption tool, so an imperative for good governance.

Good governance advocates and researchers argue that use of RTI not only helps curb financial irregularities at public agencies but also build transparency and accountability.

The National Information Commission is the agency government set up to advance the use of RTI across the country through youth training. The Commission stated in a message that RTI is instrumental in empowering citizens and building pillars of sustainable development and pro-people system.

Since the introduction of RTI Act, numerous civil society organizations in the federal capital, Kathmandu, and outside have trained cohorts of youths, launched RTI campaigns, filed RTI requests and even exposed irregularities.

Lately, RTI is linked to sustainable development goals (SDGs). (RSS)