Srinagar, August 31 (Scoop News) -Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the curtailment of powers of State Information Commission (SIC) and the revision of rules under Right To Information (RTI) Act.
The PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed these views while speaking to Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, the noted transparcency activist and convener of Jammu and Kashmir Right To Information (JKRTI) Movement, who joined the PDP today.
Mehbooba said the government’s latest move on RTI was part of the organised attempt by the coalition government to demolish all instruments and institutions of transparency, accountability and probity in public life.
Dr Bhat expressed his commitment to the agenda and policies of PDP which include strong measures for establishing of foolproof institutional accountability in the state.
Extending a warm welcome to Dr Bhat, Mehbooba termed his joining the party as continuation of a positive trend that augured well for the future of the sate and its politics. She said it was heartening that dedicated professionals like Dr Bhat who have made significant contribution in creating awareness about accountability and transparency in public life have shown their liking for the PDP agenda and are joining the party.
She said the people like Dr Bhat will find right forum in PDP to carry on their mission for a clean public life and empowerment of a common citizen. Mehbooba said emasculation of the SIC and weakening of RTI Act would complete the Omar Abdullah government’s systematic demolition of all institutions created in the state to bring transparency and accountability in the system.
Referring to the credibility of State Accountability Commission (SAC), Mehbooba said it has been challenged by the present government itself because the chief minister Omar Abdullah and his ministers have challenged its powers in the High Court.
She said that instead of removing the loopholes, if there are any, in the accountability law, the CM and his cabinet colleagues are using these as a fig leaf to seek judicial intervention to hide their misdeeds and acts o corruption. Similarly she said State Vigilance Commission (SVC) never took off inspite of the law passed some three years ago. "This uncertainty has rendered the existing vigilance organisation almost defunct in absence of the much awaited vigilance commission," she remarked.
Mehbooba said the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) too was sought to be dismantled by the present government through its open defiance to its orders. "It was shocking that the government should make an alibi of its inability to carry out DNA tests on the dead buried in the unmarked graves. She said this is a complete baseless excuse in 21st century when science has made such tests so easy," she said, adding that instead of carrying out the orders of SHRC the government has been harping about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a mere slogan.
"If the government wanted to establish TRC, what stopped it during the last four years," Mehbooba asked.
She said while increasing darkness prevails on anti corruption front with many politicians leading the loot of public money, the judicial system was being unnecessarily used to block the functioning of institutions. "On the other hand court orders are being defied in most of the cases, leaving people completely helpless," she opined.
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