Opposition scuttles RTI bill in Lok Sabha

An attempt by the government to move the RTI (amendment) bill in the Lok Sabha was on Wednesday scuttled by some Opposition members who wanted it to be taken up at a later date.

New Delhi, Sept. 4 An attempt by the Union government to move a Bill, which seeks to keep political parties out of the ambit of transparency law, in the Lok Sabha was on Wednesday scuttled by Opposition members who wanted it to be taken up at a later date. When the House was discussing measures taken for relief and reconstruction in the wake of natural disaster in Uttarakhand, minister of state for personnel V. Narayanasamy rose to bring up the RTI (Amendment) Bill, 2013 for consideration.

When the minister was reading out the objectives of the Bill, M. Thambidurai (AIADMK) opposed the move saying since it was an important Bill, it should only be brought when more members are present. AIADMK members then rushed to the Well.

Mr Thambidurai said since the House was discussing Uttrakhand tragedy, most of the members had left for the day. He was supported by Dinesh Trivedi (Trinamul) and Nama Nageswara Rao (TD) among others.

Satpal Maharaj, who was in the Chair, agreed to the demand.

The RTI (Amendment) Bill, 2013 introduced in Lok Sabha on August 12. It seeks to keep political parties out of the ambit of the transparency law saying they are an association of individuals and not public authorities. —PTI