At a time when crucial Bills in the Parliament and State Assemblies are being passed sans proper legislative discussions, noted social activist Aruna Roy on Tuesday reiterated her demand for a mandatory pre-legislative process before passing of all draft legislations of the Central and State Governments.
According to her, a pre-legislative process would ensure more transparency as it would involve a consultation process. Speaking at a State-level convention on ‘Whistleblower Protection Act’ Roy said, “Before finalising and passing Bills in the Parliament and the State Assemblies, the Governments should publish the draft legislation and keep it in public domain for pre-legislative process, proactively sharing it with people as well as the concerned stakeholders.”
Raising concern over the increasing attacks on RTI activists, Roy demanded that the State and Union Government must keep provisions of safety and security to the information seekers. She also urged the Central Government and the State Governments to frame rules of the ‘Whistleblower Protection Act’ with due consultation with people.
Calling upon people to raise voice against corruption, National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPIR)’ Nikhil Roy said, “The whole world admiring India for enacting effective Right to Information (RTI) Act. But unfortunately, information seekers are being targeted by political parties, goons and contractors. Hence, top priority should be given for the protection of the information seekers.”
BJD MlA Amar Prasad Satapathy, Congress MlA Prafulla Kumar Mallick and BJP MlA Basanta Panda said they would certainly seek a pre-legislative discussion in and outside the State Assembly before finalising rules for ‘Whistleblower Protection Act.’
The convention was organised by 16 civil society bodies. Senior journalist Rabi Das and rights activist Pradip Pradhan also highlighted the issues relating to proper implementation of various Acts at ground level. Many rights activist from across the State attended the meet.