India's parliament has passed an information bill aimed at stamping out government corruption. India's upper house of parliament Thursday approved the right-to-information bill, which would force government agencies to disclose records upon request. The lower house approved the measure Wednesday. The main opposition in the parliament NDA was not present when the bill was passed.
When it becomes law, the bill would also set up a national information commission with the power to investigate corruption charges. The measure would also set deadlines for providing information, and establish stringent penalties for failure to meet them. The right-to-information bill will become law once it is signed by President Abdul Kalam.
