Sun Apr 13 12:56:27 UTC 2025: ## Congress Leader Ramesh Renews Call to Repeal RTI Amendment
**New Delhi, April 14, 2025** – Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has reiterated his demand for the repeal of a recent amendment to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, arguing it undermines citizens’ access to information. In a letter to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ramesh criticized Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, which he says drastically alters Section 8(1) of the RTI Act.
Ramesh contends that the amendment, which removes a provision granting citizens the same access to information as legislators, is unwarranted. He refutes the government’s argument that the DPDP Act protects disclosures under the RTI Act, stating that the DPDP Act’s protections are now contingent upon the amended, restrictive RTI Act. He further argues that the Supreme Court’s Puttaswamy judgment, often cited in defense of the amendment, does not necessitate amending the RTI Act itself.
Ramesh’s concerns were initially raised in a March 23rd letter, prompting a response from Vaishnaw on April 10th. However, Ramesh’s latest letter counters Vaishnaw’s arguments, citing the potential for increased opacity and the erosion of citizens’ rights. The opposition INDIA bloc has also voiced its opposition to the amendment, calling for its repeal. The ongoing debate highlights a significant clash between concerns about data privacy and the public’s right to information.
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