Question 8GS4GS2
Considering the persistent nature of the RTI activist and the public's right to information, how should you navigate the tension between national security concerns and the principles of transparency and accountability? Explain.
Main Body
Balancing between transparency and national security by officials in Defence Ministry, requires prudence and wisdom, along with values of transparency. a Ethical issues and dilemmas: (1) Transparency vs national security. Transparency brings accountability, but sensitive information in public could lead to intelligence failure. (2) Culture of Opaqueness in government departmentsas highlighted in Media One Case [2023]. (3) RTI being undermineda fundamental right of citizens under Article 19(1)a. (4) Leakage of RTI query trails. From privacy laws in India, undermining right to privacy.
5Lack of appropriate leadership by the senior → went away from taking responsibility. (6) Sensationalization by Media of sensitive matters → against Media ethics. (7) Senior Directive vs Conscience while being opaque about information. (8) Transparent to Public about Vapor vs Keeping it secret at the cost of self-respect.
b Options available: (1) Telling media the truth about sensitive matter to avoid media bias.Transparency in conduct. Public trust on Defence Ministry. c Options available to me: (1) Telling media the truth about sensitive matter to avoid media bias. MeritsTransparency in conduct. Public trust on Defence Ministry. (2) Transparency to Stake about Vapor RTI updKeeping it secret at the cost of self-respect.
3Leakage of RTI query trails. From privacy laws in India, undermining right to privacy. (4) Lack of appropriate leadership by the senior → went away from taking responsibility. (5) Sensationalization by Media of sensitive matters → against Media ethics. (6) Senior Directive vs Conscience while being opaque about information. (7) Transparent to Public about Vapor vs Keeping it secret at the cost of self-respect.
269 words1 paragraphs
Topper
Ketan Shukla
2024
Subject & Paper
GS4GS2
Topic
Ethics
Right to Information vs National Security
Balancing Transparency and Security in Defence Ministry
Writing Stats
269
Total words
1
Paragraphs