A Culture of Concealment: Why Manipur must defend the public’s right to know?

In a troubling display of disregard for transparency and public accountability, some senior officials of major departments in Manipur often refused to share information regarding sanctioned development funds. When a reporter from Imphal Times inquired about the allocation of resources for state development projects, a Special Secretary astonishingly claimed that the information was “private”—a claim that not only contradicts common sense but blatantly violates the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
Such a position is not just misinformed; it is illegal. The RTI Act was enacted with the express purpose of promoting openness in governance, empowering citizens to participate meaningfully in public affairs, and combating the deeply rooted culture of corruption that continues to plague public institutions across the country. The law mandates that government departments must provide information when requested and, under Section 4, proactively disclose key data—such as budgets, expenditures, and project details—without citizens having to file a formal application.
Yet, despite nearly two decades since its implementation, the reality in Manipur is far from this legal ideal. The state continues to rank poorly in terms of RTI compliance. Denials, delays, and misinformation have become the norm. Information that should be readily available—particularly concerning public spending—is often buried behind layers of bureaucratic opacity. The refusal of a senior official to share details of sanctioned development funds is not just an isolated incident; it reflects a systemic resistance to transparency, accountability, and ultimately, democracy itself.
This editorial is not merely about a single official’s statement—it is about a dangerous trend. When senior bureaucrats declare public data as private property, they subvert the law and insult the intelligence of the people they serve. The RTI Act is not a privilege granted to select individuals; it is a fundamental right of every citizen. The failure to uphold this right not only breaks the law but reinforces a culture where corruption flourishes, and citizens are kept in the dark.
The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly affirmed the importance of Section 4 of the RTI Act, emphasizing that public authorities must publish essential operational and financial information on their own initiative. In fact, the law envisions a scenario where RTI applications would become largely redundant—because all necessary information would already be in the public domain. That this vision remains so far from reality is not due to any flaw in the law itself, but because of a deliberate lack of will in its implementation.
Journalists, by the nature of their work, act as intermediaries between the government and the governed. They bring facts to light, ask uncomfortable questions, and hold the powerful to account. While the RTI Act is a vital tool in this process, it was never meant to be the only path to truth. Section 4 exists precisely so that information flows freely, even without formal requests. When that flow is blocked, journalists are forced to resort to time-consuming RTI filings—even for information that should have been published voluntarily. This not only delays reporting but undermines the spirit of the law itself.
The Governor of Manipur cannot afford to remain a silent spectator to this ongoing erosion of accountability. Public officials who mislead citizens or obstruct access to information must face consequences. Disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from office, should be considered in cases where officials are found to have intentionally violated the RTI Act. A functioning democracy demands no less.
Moreover, the state must invest in strengthening its information infrastructure. Departmental websites should be regularly updated with accurate data. Public Information Officers must be accessible and responsive. And most importantly, a culture of openness must be fostered within government institutions.
Journalists will continue to do their job—with or without cooperation from the state—but the burden of fixing this broken system lies with those in power. The right to know is not a favor extended by officials; it is a cornerstone of a democratic society. When the public is denied access to information, they are denied the power to question, to understand, and to act. That is not governance—it is control. And it must be challenged.
The time for silence is over. The people of Manipur deserve transparency. They deserve accountability. And above all, they deserve the truth.