Addressing RTI concerns

Refer to ‘RTI on its knees’, the Central Government has examined all concerns raised in the editorial. A thorough review by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has confirmed that the portal’s newly implemented features, including an enhanced security protocol, are operational and user-friendly. The OTP feature, introduced on January 2, is aimed at authenticating users and protecting sensitive personal information included in RTI applications. While OTPs are promptly despatched from the National Informatics Centre’s (NIC) email domain, delays may occasionally occur due to high traffic on the NIC server or external email services. Importantly, OTPs do not expire until they are used. Regarding complaints of ‘inaccessible’ helpline services, the DoPT has stated that users can reach out to the RTI help desk at 011-24622461 during regular office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm, except public holidays) for prompt assistance. The government remains committed to transparency and accountability, and we welcome the constructive dialogue initiated by the media.

Director (Media), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, PIB

Improving ties with Taliban

Apropos of ‘Courting Taliban’; while India has not officially recognised the Taliban government, the recent high-level engagement signals a tactical shift in Delhi’s relations with Kabul. This could be a strategic ploy to counterbalance Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan and ensure that it does not become a breeding ground for anti-India elements. Both Russia and Iran share a border with Afghanistan and are key players in the region, but both are preoccupied with various conflicts and do not have any bandwidth left to engage in regional diplomacy. From providing humanitarian aid to exploring possibilities in the health sector and development projects, India seems to be taking gradual steps towards building stronger ties.

Bal Govind, Noida

Game-changer for India

Refer to ‘Courting Taliban’; it is only proving true the adage, “Be friends with the enemy’s enemy”. The smaller nations in our neighbourhood, which are under Chinese influence, can add to our problems on the border. Therefore, we should proactively recognise the Taliban government, as done in the case of the interim dispensation in Bangladesh. This will add strength to India-Afghan relations, quieten our western borders and send a strong message to the entire region. The action may prove to be a game-changer for India in global diplomacy.

Col Sajjan Kundu (retd), Hisar

Online fact-checking

Refer to ‘Online lies’; there should be a debate on how harmful online lies and disinformation can be. The move to do away with Meta fact-check can harm ‘free speech’. Apart from giving free rein to dangerous maniacs, it can directly impact public welfare. Dodgy online posts can be used to disrupt institutional systems or even the behaviour of voters and consumers. Whatever its intent, it needs to be stopped at the gate itself. Fact-checks have nothing to do with freedom of speech, but with facts alone. Mark Zuckerberg played for one side when Trump lost, and is playing for the other now, when he said that doing away with fact-checks from Meta/FB in the US was a free speech issue. Owned by Elon Musk, X has preceded Facebook in removing fact-checks, so Big Tech’s accountability is virtually nil now. It’s necessary to restate the fundamental difference between the mainstream news media, especially established newspapers, and social media. Fact-checks must be introduced for online platforms.

Mona Singh, Amritsar

Culture of freebies

The freebie culture in India can be described as a ploy to grab votes of gullible people at the cost of the exchequer. This practice needs to be stopped. Why are political parties allowed to promise freebies? They prove to be a boon for parties and a bane for the economy. Freebies help parties win elections by plundering economic resources of the state as well as the country. When this culture of freebies has nothing to do with national interest, why should it not be stopped forthwith?

Roop Singh Negi, Solan