Lack of Information
Azad blames officials' negative mindset
Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad yesterday said negative mindset of the officials regarding making information available by their own initiative is a major challenge in implementing the right to information (RTI) act.
People's unawareness about their basic rights, poverty and no access to internet, lack of trained manpower and system for preserving information digitally and on the web at the government and non-government organisations are also the major setbacks to ensure RTI act and its use to the public, the minister said in parliament replying to lawmakers query.
He said as mass awareness at grassroots level has not been increased, it is a major challenge for the government to implement the RTI act properly.
The use of RTI has been in primary stage, Azad said adding that the government would consider amendment in it in the future after reviewing its effectiveness and consequences.
Replying to another query, Azad said the mass media must act in a responsible way since it create bridge between people and the government. The mass media can protect its accountability by publishing positive news and doing constructive criticism to the government.
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