Government Hints at Restricting Right to Information

August 22: Article 27 of the constitution has ensured the rights to information related to any issues of public interest. Laws related to information enacted in 2064 clearly state people’s right to information excluding some confidential data. But Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in his recent speech has hinted at curbing the flow of information.

PM Oli while addressing an event on the occasion of the 11^th National Information Day on Sunday, August 19, said that the leakage of some crucial information has threatened the state’s confidentiality and that the government will check the flow of information.

The constitution and laws grant full authority to the government to maintain confidentiality over confidential information and has full right to investigate the leakage issue.  

However, the public statement made by the head of state indicates that the government aims to tighten the flow of information and is likely to interfere in the right to information of the public.