UPSC-Relevant News Items

1. By overriding RTI Act, new law triggers transparency concerns- EDITORIAL ANALYSIS

Page: 13

Summary:

• • The SHANTI Bill, 2025, faces criticism for overriding the RTI Act, 2005.
• • Section 39 allows the Centre to restrict information on nuclear plant design, operation, and substance handling, preventing public disclosure.
• • This exclusion eliminates the public interest override and all statutory appeal mechanisms under RTI.
• • The move raises serious governance, transparency concerns, and potentially violates the constitutional right to information.

Additional Facts:

• • The SHANTI Bill 2025 establishes a specialized institutional mechanism under the Centre (DAE) via Section 39 to restrict disclosure concerning nuclear operations, thereby modifying the prevailing regulatory transparency framework.
• • Critics argue that restricting data on substance handling compromises public safety assessments related to radiation exposure and waste management.
• • Proponents of the Bill usually justify such exclusions citing national security and the need to protect strategic assets from espionage or sabotage.

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