Right to information essential for transparency: Home Minister Lekhak

May 20, Kathmandu: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has emphasised that the right to information is crucial for ensuring transparency and good governance. Speaking at an interaction program organised by the National Information Commission for ministry-level information officers in Kathmandu on Tuesday, he highlighted the importance of this right in maintaining accountability.

Minister Lekhak noted that the right to information is enshrined as a fundamental right in the Constitution. He clarified that while authorities must provide information and the right of citizens to access it, not all information needs to be disclosed. He said information related to confidentiality, national security, defence, foreign relations, or diplomatic matters may be withheld, as disclosing such details in the name of transparency and good governance could destabilise the country.

He urged officials to adopt a balanced and comprehensive approach to the constitutional provisions on information rights. Lekhak encouraged providing information transparently whenever possible but stressed that if information must be withheld due to confidentiality, the reasons should be clearly communicated in writing.