Citizens of India have the right to know about PM Modi's degrees: Aruna Roy

By-Manish Kumar

RTI activist Aruna Roy was in the city Friday to participate in a convention on activism. In an exclusive interview , Roy discusses a wide range of issues ranging from free speech and RTI to other issues of national interest. Excerpts from the interview:

1) Orissa is one of the few states in the country that insists on ID-cards for RTI applicants and even the name of applicant’s spouse. What is your take on this practice?

Aruna: It is regressive and illegal. They cannot do such things. Asking for the identity of the applicant to prove one’s citizenship is unheard of in other parts of the country. If the law does not ask for this, how they can force the people to do this. However, despite such challenges RTI activism by the activists in Orissa is overwhelming. The number of people who filed RTI in India now has reached 80 lakh.

2) What should be done to discourage the practice?

Aruna: We need to fight it legally. I have also been told that some activists here have filed a petition before the court against the bad practice. If needed people should to go to the Supreme Court to undo such practices that pose hurdles in the smooth functioning of RTI.

3) Would you consider the JNU issue an attack on free speech?

Aruna: The issue at JNU was a sign that free speech was being curtailed. Beating student leader Kanhaiya Kumar on court premises and other related issues hint at such a move. If the students cannot express their views in colleges and universities, where else can they express them? Universities are meant to be platforms for free speech. Delhi University, Hyderabad Central University, Allahabad University all have faced some similar action.

4) Controversy relating to proof of degrees obtained by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now raging. Should such information be brought into the realm of RTI?

Aruna: Yes. The citizens of the country have all rights to know such information. But there is a general tendency among politicians to hide information from the public. Delhi University also cannot hide such information from the public. They ought to reveal it. Otherwise activists and public will escalate their activities in the days to come.

5) The Whistleblowers Bill meant to protect whistleblowers is still not in place. Do you doubt the intentions of the government on the issue?

Aruna: Whistleblowers’ bill was moved in parliament through an ordinance after much struggle. But the present government, instead of passing it, has sought more amendments. 

This raises doubts about the intention of the government in passing the bill. If the government does not cooperate, we will again hit the streets for the cause.

6) Although it has been a decade since the RTI Act was passed, several offices and officials still do not comply with its implementation. What is the solution?

Aruna: Many errant officials are unaware of the power of activism. Earlier, we had about 1 lakh RTI applicants. Now the number has escalated to 80 lakh. How can you lock horns with such a huge group that is fighting for transparency and rights. It is time for them to awaken.

7) You have also batted for the propagation of community radios? Have such systems caught on?

Aruna: Community radios have been facing many hurdles hampering their growth. Tougher licensing process and restrictions have taken a toll on them. 

Community radio offers great potential for addressing local issues locally but it is being put under control by the government.