BHOPAL: The RTI activists are crying hoarse over a question in the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) prelims question paper asking candidates their views on “wrong intentions” of RTI activists.
The question in the exam held on Sunday reads: “If you are a government officer and some information under the RTI Act is being sought from you. And, you know the applicant well and are assured that the information can be misused. What would you do?” Four choices have been provided which include (A) You will find a solution for not providing information, (B) You would provide the information, (C) Would provide wrong information so that possibility of its misuse can be reduced, and (D) Would delay in providing the information as long as possible.
This question has angered the RTI activists who say it shows ignorance of paper setters. “The MPPSC has shown disrespect towards the rights of the people. There is no mention of ‘use’ or ‘misuse’ of information under the RTI Act,” said activist Ajay Dubey. He said that the officers can ask only the name and address of the information-seeker and has no business to enquire about his or her “intentions”. He said that sections 8 and 9 of the Act do provide for some restrictions if the information is being sought with malicious intent. He said that the question paper setter and moderator should be identifies and penalised.
