Mamata Banerjee slams amendment to RTI Act, says it 'hurts federalism'

Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, on Saturday said that manner in which important bills were passed in Parliament has hurt federalism in country. statement was me in reference to Right to Information Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Mamata Banerjee expressed her party's view on Twitter.

Re | Bengal BJP: Campaign against TMC misrule, promise of NRC paid off

About Right To Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019

RTI (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was passed by Lok Sabha in July this year. According to reports, bill allows Centre to prescribe term of office, salaries, allowances and or terms and conditions of service of chief information commissioner and information commissioners. Earlier, under RTI Act, 2005,  term of office of  chief information commissioner and information commissioners was fixed at five years. However, new amendment act suggests that government will t tify term of office at any period of time. Several activists have criticised bill saying that it will affect independence and neutrality. 

Re | BJP hes most panels in Parliament, outnumbering Opposition

About International Day for Universal Access to Information

United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) General Conference has recognised September 28 as  International Day for Universal Access to Information or Access to Information Day. According to reports, this is fourth year to mark September 28 as Access to Information Day. Furr reports stated that me for this year has been set as 'Leaving One Behind'. Right to Information includes accessing information on all levels- local, national and international. bill promotes idea that every individual has right to seek information, stated reports.

Re | BJP's JP Nda questions Mamata's governance, says her time is over

Re | Mamata Banerjee wishes Banglesh PM Sheikh Hasina on her birthday

(With PTI inputs)