Opinion

Kerala Government has suggested to the Central government to restrict journalists from using the right to information frequently.

The Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation had sought suggestions from State governments on amending the Right to Information Act “to remedy difficulties caused by fake and irrelevant RTI applications”.

In its response, the government suggested that professional media persons (Press, TV etc) might be kept out of the purview of eligible applicants or might be charged more for information given as such information are likely to be used for their publicity and profit.

The government is misleading the media and public regarding the purpose and implications of the notification exempting Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau (VACB) from the purview of right to information.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told the media after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting that the notification—withdrawal of which had been demanded by KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran, RTI activists and others—was being retained to protect the lives and physical safety of informants. However, there is no need for such a notification to achieve that objective.

BJP Central election committee’s decision to defer approval of list of 22 candidates for Kerala Assembly elections submitted by the Kerala unit amounts to disapproval of the manner of functioning of the State unit.

It also shows that the national leadership of the party gives more importance than the State unit to allies especially the Bharatiya Dharama Jana Sena.  It is notable that the BDJS was demanding a few of the seats included in the list.

The outgoing Kerala Assembly has failed to take up discussions not only on the Budget for the coming year but also on many important legislation.

In fact, these are a record of sorts for the 13^th Assembly.

A scramble for seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Kerala is on in the ruling United Democratic Front, and to a lesser degree in the Opposition Left Democratic Front. Indications are that the pitch will surpass the rivalry in the previous elections.