By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Dec. 28: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki has said the right to information (RTI) will help maintain sustainable development, prosperity and good governance of the country.
Addressing the national symposium on ‘Women’s Participation in the Right to Information: Challenges and Opportunities’ organised by the National Information Commission on Monday, Minister Karki said the provisions of RTI are essential for good governance, prosperity and lasting peace of the country.

Stating that RTI is an important tool to bring good governance and development in the country, Minister Karki asked all to implement the RTI from their respective places.
“The Right to Information is vital to eradicate illiteracy, poverty and backwardness and promote women’s representation,” he added.

The RTI was to strengthen the state and its citizens by informing them, Minister Karki said, adding, “The Right to Information is indispensable in a democratic system.”
Stating that special contribution is still needed for women’s upliftment, he expressed the view that the RTI would be useful for women’s educational awareness and poverty alleviation.
Informing that in lack of information many government programmes were not implemented properly, Chief Information Commissioner Mahendra Man Gurung said people should develop the habit of seeking and receiving information.

Urging all to exercise RTI to make governance accountable and transparent, chief commissioner Gurung said only 17 women had lodged complaint at the commission last year to exercise their right to information.
During the event, Information Commissioner Kamala Oli Thapa shed light on the major activities carried out by the commission to increase women’s access to right to information.
Thapa also highlighted the need to protect, promote and execute the RTI in Nepal.

Chairperson of the National Women Commission Kamala Parajuli stressed on the need for women to pay special attention to seek information as the person with information is the most powerful.
The political parties and local representatives had a big role to play in making the information of the state accessible for the public.