Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said transparency and accountability are very important for a democratic and participative governance.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a new building of Central Information Commission at Munirka in New Delhi, he said, a transparent system ensures accountability towards the public.
Mr Modi said, empowered citizens are one of the strongest pillars of democracy. He said, in the last four years, the government has tried to inform and empower the citizens by using various mediums.
Mr Modi said, Ask, Listen, Interact, Act and Inform are the five pillars of today’s Information Highway. He said, today, India is moving fast towards a digitally-empowered society.
He said, the use of Information Technology is not only making the procedures simpler but also ensures transparency and quality of services.
The Prime Minister said, reforms at the grassroots level and bringing transparency in the system resulted in the completion of various projects on time. He said, such changes in the system are being seen from Parliament to Panchayat level.
Mr Modi also informed that through PRAGATI, he has reviewed projects worth 9.5 lakh crore rupees. He said, the government has abolished 1400 old Acts which were not relevant to the present times.
The Prime Minister said, it is imperative that people are made aware of the importance of their duties as asserting one’s own rights without rendering duties is against the fundamental value of the Constitution.
He said just like the Right to Information, RTI, the concept of ‘Act Rightly’ should be discussed and the citizens should be informed about their duties along with their rights.
He said, the wrong practice of misusing rights of people and powers for self-interest or vested interests should end. He urged the Central Information Commission to take up the task of making aware the citizens about Act Rightly.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister launched the CIC Mobile App which will facilitate the people in filing application and complaints besides getting the latest information about the Commission.
Mr Modi also lauded the Commission for introducing various citizen-centric initiatives for disposal of RTI-related queries. He said, CIC is playing a big role in bringing accountability and transparency.
