The Union Cabinet on the night of 4th May decided to repeal the Freedom of Information Act, 2002 and enact a new law to confer statutory rights on citizens to seek information and ensure more transparency

Giving its nod to the Right to Information Act, 2004, a meeting of the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh also approved the setting up of information commissions in states and Union Territories.

The bill to shape to the act would be introduced in the ongoing budget session of Parliament. The modified bill, which seeks to repeal the existing Freedom of Information Act 2002, will be introduced in the current session of Parliament ending May 13.

The Cabinet also decided to set up Information Commissions in states and union territories and the State Chief Information Commissioner would head these panels to be assisted by maximum of ten State Information Commissioners to meet the functional needs.

Some Rs 65 crore per annum will be spent on this count apart from providing funds for accommodation, office equipment, vehicles and other ancillary needs of these commissions.

The Right to Information Bill, 2004, was introduced in 2004. It was then referred to the Standing Committee which, in turn reported it back to the House. The Bill of 2004 and the report of the Standing Committee has been considered by a Group of Ministers(GoM).