Anna Hazare threatens an indefinite fast from July 5 if RTI amendments are not rolled back.

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare warned that he will begin an indefinite fast from July 5 unless the government rolls back recent amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Rules. Hazare's main message is that these changes threaten citizens' access to information and the core purpose of the RTI Act.

The announcement has put the issue of transparency and accountability back into the public debate, and civil society groups are watching closely to see what the government does next.

Hazare questions the fee hike.

One of Hazare’s main objections is the rise in fees under the revised RTI rules. “There is no explanation, no financial logic to the higher charges,” he said. 
“The RTI Act was brought in to bring in openness in the operation of the government and to make it available to the common man,” added Hazare. "Higher charges could deter people from searching for information and therefore hamper progress," he said.

RTI Act: focus on

The Right to Information Act is viewed as an important tool for promoting transparency in the public administration. Since its inception, the law has given citizens the right to request information from government departments and hold authorities to account.

Hazare maintains that any change making the RTI process harder or more expensive undermines the Act's spirit and restricts public involvement in governance—his main argument for demanding a rollback.

Fast starting July 5th

The veteran activist said he would begin an indefinite fast if the amendments are not rolled back by July 5. He said the proposed protest was a peaceful attempt to safeguard the rights of citizens and the sanctity of the RTI regime.

The announcement has garnered the attention of transparency advocates and organisations working on governance and public accountability.

Awaiting a government reply

The government has yet to respond in detail to Hazare's concerns or his warning of a fast. There was no indication that any talks would take place before a July 5 deadline.

As the date approaches, the debate on the RTI amendments is likely to get a little more intense with the stakeholders from different sectors weighing in on the matter.

What are the government's subsequent actions?

Anna Hazare has now made up his mind, and the focus is now on what the government will do next. The veteran activist may proceed with his planned fast, and if the amended rules are not changed, it could lead to a bigger debate on transparency, citizen rights, and access to information in India.