Anna Hazare to Launch Nationwide Agitation Over RTI Amendments!
Anna Hazare to Launch Nationwide Agitation Over RTI Amendments!
Civil rights activist Anna Hazare issues ultimatum to Maharashtra government: withdraw controversial RTI amendments by July 5 or face a hunger strike and nationwide protest!
Veteran civil rights activist Anna Hazare has issued a stern ultimatum to the Maharashtra Government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the contentious Maharashtra Right to Information (Amendment) Rules, 2026. Hazare, known for his anti-corruption crusades, warned that if the amendments are not scrapped before July 5, he will embark on a hunger strike and initiate a nationwide agitation.
Speaking to reporters after an 'unsatisfactory' meeting with the Maharashtra Chief Information Commissioner in Ralegan Siddhi, Hazare expressed profound disappointment with the government's stance. "If they don’t withdraw the amendments and if people’s interest is jeopardised, I will hit the streets once again," he declared, signaling a potential resurgence of mass protests reminiscent of his earlier movements.
Hazare vehemently opposes several provisions within the new amendment rules, which he argues severely weaken the spirit and effectiveness of the Right to Information Act. Key concerns include the tripling of application fees, the introduction of appeal fees, and a cap on free information for individuals living Below Poverty Line (BPL). Additionally, the rules mandate that each RTI query must pertain to a single subject, with a strict word limit of 150 words.
Further critical points of contention are the mandatory revelation of an applicant's identity, which removes the crucial shield of anonymity for whistleblowers, and the prohibition of lawyers representing applicants at hearings. The amendments also stipulate that if an applicant fails to appear for a hearing, their case can be dismissed, and if an applicant dies, their case will be automatically closed. Hazare insists that these changes are detrimental to transparency and public accountability.
To safeguard the integrity of the RTI Act, Hazare called for the immediate formation of a new committee. This committee, he suggested, should comprise experts and officials with profound knowledge of the RTI Act and a commitment to public interest. His office confirmed that if the government fails to unequivocally withdraw the amendments, he will commence his hunger strike and widespread agitation as threatened.
