RTI Act pivotal for state's transparency

President Abdul Hamid has said the Right to Information (RTI) Act plays a pivotal role in empowering people, establishing rights, and ensuring transparency and accountability in state affairs.

In a message yesterday, on the eve of International Right to Know Day, the president said information kept people aware and helped take the right decision. 

"The RTI Act plays a prominent role in setting up a well-governed society by promoting transparency and accountability in state affairs. Free flow of information strengthens citizens' right to access to information as well as empowers people to exercise their right at both society and state levels," he said.

"The RTI is the fundamental and constitutional right of the people. The incumbent government passed the Right to Information Act, 2009...and to that effect ensured free flow of information in the country," he added. 

He said the Information Commission had taken different measures to apprise people of the very basics of the RTI with the help of public as well as private radio and television networks and print media.

As a result, people are becoming more and more aware of their right to information and well- versed with the techniques of using this act, he added.