Govt examining CIC order to bring political parties under RTI

NEW DELHI: The Centre is examining the order by Central Information Commission to bring political parties under the jurisdiction of RTI following which it will decide on the future course of action.

"We are studying the CIC's order. The future course of action will be taken after we have studied it," said an official of Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which acts as a nodal department for the implementation of RTI Act.

He said the government will also take into account views or concerns raised by political parties after the order.

"We have heard views of political parties. We will certainly take their versions into the account before deciding on it," the official said.

In a landmark ruling, the CIC yesterday held that political parties are public authorities and answerable to citizens under RTI Act.

The Commission had said six national parties -- Congress, BJP, NCP, CPI-M, CPI and BSP -- have been substantially funded indirectly by the central government and they have the character of public authority under the RTI Act as they perform public functions.

Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy, under whose jurisdiction implementation of RTI Act lies, said that he will study the order before commenting on it.