M A I N   N E W S

Scrap Official Secrets Act, says panel
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 9 
The second Administrative Reforms Commission today recommended the scrapping of the 83-year-old Official Secrets Act (OSA) saying it was incongruous with the regime of transparency in a democratic society. 

It advocated a slew of measures for “effective implementation” of Right to Information Act at all levels including judiciary and legislature. In its first report, submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by the Commission Chairman Veerapa Moily, it suggested that the Official Secrets Act of 1923 be repealed and suitable safeguards to protect the security of the state incorporated in the National Security Act (NSA).

The report, which deals with the issues pertaining to “Right to Information — Master key to good governance” opined that the Official Secrets Act in its current form was “incongruous” with the regime of transparency in a democratic society.

Emerging from a 40-minute meeting with the Prime Minister, at which Minister of State for Personnel Suresh Pachauri was also present, Moily said the OSA had a shadow of colonial regime. Some of the provisions of the OSA could be incorporated in the NSA, he said.

About his report, he said “whatever recommendations we gave are practicable for implementation” and added the Prime Minister was happy and assured him of working out a roadmap for its implementation.

The report suggested revamping of the information commissions, saying that at least half the members of such commissions be drawn from non-civil service background.