Transparency, as used in the humanities and in a social context more generally, implies openness, communication, and accountability. It is a metaphorical extension of the meaning a “transparent” object is one that can be seen through. Transparent procedures include open meetings, financial disclosure statements, freedom of information legislation, budgetary review, audits, etc.
The right to demand information is fundamental to building trust among citizens and the state. It is a right that acts as an instrument to allow citizens access to fulfill other cultural, economic and social rights such as the right to education, to food, to work, to self determination. When citizens are denied their right to know, corrupt officials can act with impunity. When the media cannot report the facts due to government control or censorship, this right is further harmed and opacity strengthened.
Information is oxygen for democratic society. Government is like an agent of the public. So citizens have a right to know about the activities of the Govt. Further, every citizen pays taxes. The citizens, therefore have a right to know how their money was being spent. The business of government is not an activity about which only those professionally engaged are entitled to receive information and express opinion.
Accountability and transparency require independent media, independent judiciary and active, powerful civil society. Rakshak is striving hard to bring about transparency by working with Government agencies on the one hand and enlightening the public on the other.
