Hazare threatens strike over right to information

Hazare threatens strike over right to information
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

NAGPUR, JAN 2: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has threatened to launch a state-wide agitation from May 31 if the Maharashtra Government failed to enact a law, giving the people ``Right to information''.

The rampant corruption prevailing in the Government functioning is mainly due to the Official Secret Act, Hazare told a meet-the-press programme here on Saturday. Hazare said, ``The Chief Minister has agreed in principle (to enact a law) but we have set a deadline of May 31 and would launch an agitation after that.'' As per his demand, the information needed must be provided after two days and within ten days and in case of failure to do so, complaints against the erring official could be lodged. However, he favoured exemption of classified information from Home and Defence Ministries. which would affect the security interests, he said, ``Right to information is of public interest to strengthen the democracy''.

Welcoming the decision of the Democratic Front Government to set up a State VigilanceCommission on the lines of Central CVC, Hazare demanded more teeth to the SVC to deal effectively with those involved in irregularities and corruption.

After the speedy development of rural areas and working against corruption in bureaucracy and politics, ``corruption in judicial system'' was high on his agenda, Hazare said.