(a) whether India stands at 37th rank out of 102 countries on the Open Government Index 2015;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether there is a need to improve transparency and accountability in administrative affairs in view of incidents of unnecessary delay in administrative works; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) & (b): India has, reportedly, been ranked 37 out of 102 countries in a Report titled ‘World Justice Project Open Government Index 2015’. However, in absence of information regarding objectivity of the surveying organization, research methodology and survey design and scheme for data collection and its verification, it is not considered prudent to comment on their findings.
(c) & (d): Right to Information Act was enacted in the year 2005 to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority. The Government has taken number of steps to strengthen this transparency legislation such as building the capacity of the demand and supply side through training, on-line certificate course, and publication of guides on the Right to Information Act. Awareness Generation has been undertaken through print, electronic, outdoor media and workshops. The Government apart from a number of clarificatory orders has also issued OMs No. 1/18/2007-IR dated 21st September, 2007 and OM No. 1/6/2011-IR dated 15th April, 2013 impressing upon the public authorities to disclose maximum information proactively.