Need fine balance between RTI and right to privacy: PM

New Delhi - A fine balance must be maintained between the RTI (Right to Information) and the right to privacy, which stems from fundamental rights, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Friday.

Addressing the Annual Convention of Information Commissioners here, Manmohan Singh said public authorities should not view the RTI as an irritant but something that is good for all of us collectively.

"This important legislation should not be only about criticising, ridiculing, and running down public authorities. RTI should be more about promoting transparency and accountability, spreading information and awareness and empowering the citizen," he said.

He called for a fine balance between the RTI and the right to privacy.

"There is a fine balance required to be maintained between the RTI and the right to privacy, which stems out of the fundamental rights."

Citizens, Manmohan Singh said, feel empowered because of the RTI as 95.5 percent applications are cleared at the first stage.

"The potential for good, constructive use of the RTI is perhaps far greater than what its current status would indicate. There are concerns about frivolous and vexatious use of the Act in demanding information which cannot possibly serve any public purpose," he added.