Assertion (A): The Right to Information has created hurdles for good governance in India.
Reason (R): The Right to Information has become a credible source of news for mass media for investigative journalism.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
The Right to Information (RTI) Act in India enhances transparency and accountability. It empowers citizens to seek information from government bodies. Contrary to the claim in Assertion (A), RTI does not create hurdles for good governance. Instead, it promotes openness and reduces corruption. Therefore, (A) is false.
On the other hand, Reason (R) is true. The RTI Act has become a powerful tool for investigative journalism. Journalists use RTI applications to uncover hidden facts, expose scams, and report on government policies. Many high-profile corruption cases, such as the 2G scam and Commonwealth Games fraud, came to light through RTI-based investigations.
RTI strengthens democracy by enabling citizens and the media to question authorities. It ensures transparency in public administration rather than obstructing governance. Therefore, option (D) is correct—(A) is false, but (R) is true. The RTI Act helps investigative journalism thrive and holds the government accountable, making it an essential pillar of democracy.