Diverting attention from important issues of public interest has become the hallmark of the BJP government. For the past week, BJP spokespersons and cabinet ministers have hogged considerable media coverage by screaming who is anti-Hindu or which party is a ‘Muslim party’.
Here are some actual important issues that might have escaped your attention:
1. Amendment to the Right to Information Act: The government is trying to amend the RTI Act, which according to activists, is aimed at diluting the act. The monsoon session of the parliament started today, and the amendment bill is listed as a draft legislation for ‘introduction, consideration and passing’. All draft legislation, as per the Pre Legislative Consultation Policy, have to be circulated amongst the members of the house, 30 days prior to their introduction.
The government hasn’t circulated the Bill, and the officials are refusing to divulge any information about the nature of the changes that it seeks to enact. The RTI act is an important tool for ordinary citizens to seek transparency in government functions.
Also Read: Activists, Former CICs Slam Govt Move To Amend RTI Act
2. Supreme Court has asked the Parliament to enact a law against lynchings: Even though the BJP government has been in denial about the issue of mob lynchings, especially those related to cow vigilantism, the apex court has recognized that these are a serious law and order issue. Noting the “rising intolerance and growing polarisation” and the recent incidents of mob lynchings, the apex court issued directions to prevent people from taking the law into their hands.
In a country gripped by fear of angry mobs, this comes as a much-needed respite. However, since it is the Parliament which has to enact such law, it remains to be seen how it delivers on this front.
Also Read: BJP Minister Jayant Sinha Welcomes 8 Lynching Case Convicts With Sweets And Garlands.
3. The CBI has said that the government is interfering with its functions: As reported by The Indian Express, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wrote to the Central Vigilance Commission, saying that there is pressure on the CBI to appoint officers who “were under examination by the CBI as suspects/ accused in criminal cases under investigation with the Bureau.”
The CBI also said in the letter that the second most senior officer in the Bureau, Special Director Rakesh Asthana, is himself “under the scanner” in multiple cases.
According to the report the CBI is currently investigating certain politicians, which makes it essential to the keep the Bureau’s independence intact.
4. The government is planning to monitor your social media, including WhatsApp: This is not a bogeyman floated by the ‘liberal elites’, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has, in fact, put out a tender for getting such software developed. The government wants to create a “Social Media and Communication Hub” to monitor public sentiment on social media platforms, including Whatsapp.
Under this, the government is also planning to hire persons in each district, who will be the “eyes and ears” of the government. The Big Brother analogy is not an exaggeration.
On Friday, 13 July, the Supreme Court, which is hearing the petition filed against the creation of this hub, also echoed fears of the civil society by saying “The government wants to tap citizens’ WhatsApp messages. It will be like creating a surveillance state.” The court has also issued a notice to the central government in the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for August 3, and the tender bid is set to open on August 20.
This move is exactly like creating a surveillance state, and not only is it a gross assault on our right to privacy, there is also a legitimate apprehension that this can become a tool for anyone in power to suppress dissent.
Also Read: Modi Govt Trying To Invade Peoples’ Privacy By Creating Social Media Hub: Cong