PM hopes RTI will empower people

NEW DELHI: Amid a controversy over the amendments proposed in the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today hoped that the legislation will empower people to make the government more accountable.

On the occasion of 60th Independence day, he said hard work was needed to eliminate corruption in the delivery of public services and eradicate it from all walks of life.

Outlining various initiatives and programmes launched by his two-year-old government, Singh, in his address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, said the challenge is to implement these.

"We have to improve the way governments function and deliver public services," he said.

"I sincerely hope that the Right to Information Act enacted by our government will empower our people who will be able to use their rights to make government more accountable," the Prime Minister said.

His comments came even as the government is drawing flak for moving certain amendments to the Act, which critics say will dilute the legislation.

Singh said his government will put in place a system that rewards honesty, probity and efficiency.