Finance | India's RTI Act Faces Weakening Claims Amid 2026 Economic Survey Push

Kharge Accuses Government of Weakening Transparency Law

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on January 31, 2026, accused the Modi government of systematically weakening India's Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The accusation follows the 2026 Economic Survey's suggestion for a relook at the transparency legislation, framing the government's actions as deliberate attempts to dilute its efficacy.

Kharge cited significant pendency in information requests, numerous vacancies in information commissions, and alleged safety concerns for activists as primary evidence of the law's diminishing power. The Congress leader stated that the government's approach threatened the foundational principles of public accountability and citizen oversight established by the Act.

Institutional Context and Historical Precedent

The Right to Information Act, enacted in 2005, grants Indian citizens the legal right to request information from government bodies, aiming to promote transparency and combat corruption. Its implementation has been widely regarded as a significant step towards democratic accountability and good governance in the country.

However, concerns over the Act's integrity have been raised periodically by civil society organizations and opposition parties. Issues such as delayed responses, incomplete information, and the perceived vulnerability of information commissioners have formed a recurring critique of its practical application.

The 2026 Economic Survey, typically a forward-looking policy document, included an unconfirmed recommendation to reassess certain provisions of the RTI Act. While the specific nature of these suggested revisions has not been disclosed, the context has fueled political discourse regarding governmental commitment to transparency.

Differentiation from Standard Policy Review

This situation differs structurally from typical policy reviews, which often focus on operational efficiencies or updating legislation in line with technological advancements or evolving societal needs. Kharge's statements and the broader debate suggest a concern about the fundamental intent and scope of the RTI Act itself, rather than mere procedural adjustments.

The current discussion is not about streamlining an administrative process or promoting a specific sector; instead, it targets the core mechanism of citizen-state interaction regarding information access. It does not aim to be a bureaucratic update but rather touches upon the equilibrium of power and transparency in governance.

This distinction is editorially relevant because any significant alteration to the RTI Act impacts the fundamental right of citizens to hold their government accountable, a principle central to a functioning democracy. Unlike sector-specific regulations, changes to the RTI framework have broad societal implications across all government functions.

Market Relevance and Impact on Public Discourse

The debate around the RTI Act intersects with broader global trends concerning government transparency and digital governance. In many democracies, there is an ongoing tension between national security, data privacy, and public access to information, often leading to legislative re-evaluations.

For India, the RTI Act has served as a critical tool against corruption and a driver of public participation in governance. Allegations of its weakening can impact investor confidence in regulatory predictability and governance standards, although specific market reactions remain unconfirmed.

The public discourse surrounding these developments reflects a growing demand for accountability, particularly as digital platforms amplify citizen voices. Any perceived rollback of transparency measures could impact India's standing on international indices of press freedom and good governance, which often factor in the robustness of such laws.

People Also Ask (PAA)

What is India's Right to Information Act?

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, enacted in 2005, is an Indian law that empowers citizens to access information from public authorities. Its objective is to promote transparency, accountability, and combat corruption within government functions.

Why is the RTI Act considered important for Indian democracy?

The RTI Act is vital for Indian democracy as it provides a legal framework for citizens to demand transparency from government bodies. It enables public scrutiny of official decisions, helps expose corruption, and enhances governmental accountability to the populace.

What are Mallikarjun Kharge's specific concerns regarding the RTI Act?

Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress President, expressed concerns over alleged weakening of the RTI Act by the Modi government. He cited high pendency of information requests, numerous vacancies in information commissions, and safety issues faced by RTI activists as primary indicators.

What did the 2026 Economic Survey suggest about the RTI Act?

The 2026 Economic Survey reportedly included a suggestion for a "relook" at the Right to Information Act. While the exact details of this recommendation have not been officially disclosed, it has fueled political debate regarding the law's future.

How do vacancies in information commissions affect the RTI Act?

Vacancies in information commissions hinder the effective functioning of the RTI Act by creating backlogs in processing information requests and appeals. A shortage of commissioners can significantly delay responses, undermining the law's core objective of timely information disclosure.