Various experts, Bhutanese and foreigners, have expressed mixed reactions on whether Bhutan is ready to adopt the right to information (RTI) act.
They presented such mixed reactions during a two-day discussion seminar on RTI that concluded on Thursday in the country.
Among participants of the seminar, Indian experts stated that RTI act was inappropriate for Bhutan saying the discussions have just begun.
According to them a central information commission is a must for endorsing RTI act. Chairperson of the National Commission on Minorities in India, Wajahat Habidullah, expressed such an opinion, the Kuensel reported on Friday.
Most of the participants felt the need of RTI act for good governance, transparency and accountability, but they also said enough homework is a must.
However, officials at the Ministry of Information and Communication said they were exercising seriously to “refine and update the proposed RTI draft”.
They also opined that passing the act would be an easy step, however, the implementing part might be equally challenging.
Sponsored by parliamentarian Sangay Khandu as a private bill, the proposed RTI bill was rejected by the House earlier last month as several lawmakers stood against it saying it was inappropriate on various grounds.
