Phuentsholing. For many students, access to information is increasingly seen as essential not only for education but also for civic participation. Students at the College of Science and Technology (CST) in Rinchending say the Right to Information (RTI) could play an important role in helping citizens understand government decisions, promote transparency, and strengthen democratic governance.
Several students said that the ability to access reliable information helps individuals make informed decisions about their education, careers, and engagement with public affairs.
Information and academic learning
Students noted that access to information is especially important in academic settings, where research and learning depend on reliable data and resources.
Rinchen Dema, a councillor and fourth-year engineering geology student, said information access is critical for completing assignments and research projects. “During our academic work, we need a lot of information. When information is accessible and reliable, it helps build trust between those who provide it and those who receive it,” she said.
Similarly, Tashi Chozom, a fourth-year instrumentation and control engineering student, said research cannot progress without accurate data. “Without proper statistics or information, research cannot move forward. It limits new discoveries and developments,” she said. Students also noted that digital tools have expanded the ways they access knowledge.
Palden Tshering said that textbooks alone are often insufficient for understanding complex subjects. “Online videos and even artificial intelligence tools help us understand difficult topics more clearly,” he said.
Sherab Tharchen Wangchuk added that access to information also helps students remain aware of events beyond their academic studies. “Information allows us to look beyond the classroom and understand what is happening in society,” he said.
Students express support for RTI
Discussions about information access also led students to reflect on the potential role of a Right to Information law in Bhutan. Many students expressed support for such legislation, noting that it could improve transparency and accountability within public institutions.
Sherab Tharchen Wangchuk said RTI could help ensure that government decisions and public spending remain open to public scrutiny.“When citizens can see how decisions are made and resources are used, it can reduce corruption and build trust,” he said.
Sonam Yuden shared a similar view, noting that greater transparency could encourage responsible governance. “When citizens can ask questions about government decisions or spending, officials become more careful and transparent in their work,” she said.
Palden Tshering described the Right to Information as a fundamental right that empowers citizens. “RTI allows people to access records and decisions held by public institutions. This helps citizens participate in policymaking and hold leaders accountable,” he said.
Tashi Chozom added that access to public information is particularly important in democratic societies.
“In a democracy, citizens need access to information to make informed decisions,” she said.
For Rinchen Dema, the idea behind RTI is straightforward. “Citizens should be able to request information that matters to them. The relationship between the government and the people should work hand in hand without secrecy that could create misunderstandings,” she said.
Media literacy and awareness
Students said a media literacy and RTI awareness session helped them better understand the broader importance of information access.
Rinchen Dema said the programme highlighted how limited access to information can lead to mistrust between institutions and the public. “If information is restricted, people may feel that organisations are working behind the curtain. That can create doubts about how resources are used,” she said.
Tashi Chozom said the session helped her realise that RTI is not only relevant to journalists.“Before today, I thought RTI mainly concerned journalists. But it is important for ordinary citizens too. People should be able to access information about how public resources are used,” she said.
She added that although challenges remain, an RTI law could benefit the public. “If policymakers find ways to make RTI possible, it would help citizens who need access to public information,” she said.
Namgay Tashi Yoezer, a multimedia counsellor, said the discussion highlighted the value of transparency in public life. “The session helped me understand how important access to information is for every citizen. It promotes transparency and keeps people informed,” he said.
Palden Samdrup, a civil engineering student, said RTI can help citizens understand decisions that affect their communities.“Through RTI, citizens can receive important information about decisions that affect society. This helps people make informed choices,” he said.
Awareness programme
The media literacy and RTI awareness programme was organised on March 5 following recommendations from four focus group discussions involving media professionals, civil society organisations, government representatives, and Members of Parliament. The consultations were conducted as part of the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) for South Asia, implemented by Accountability Lab in partnership with the Journalists’ Association of Bhutan.
A total of 96 students and four faculty members participated in the session. The discussions reflected growing awareness among young people about the importance of transparency, accountability, and access to information in democratic governance. As several participants noted, access to information is not only about convenience. It is also about enabling citizens to participate meaningfully in public life and strengthening trust between institutions and society. – By Rinzin Wangchuk
