The Human Rights Forum (HRF) and the United Forum for RTI Campaign (UFRTI) have voiced concern over the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to withhold the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Google concerning a proposed data center and investments in the Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. The organizations have called on the State to disclose the MoU immediately.
The State government aspires to establish Andhra Pradesh as a digital infrastructure hub through this agreement with Google, yet the specifics of the MoU remain undisclosed to the public. This development has sparked concerns that the government’s actions may contravene the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The concern stems from the fact that such a significant deal could impact various aspects, including employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and regional growth in the targeted districts, among others. The lack of transparency surrounding the MoU has led to speculation and apprehension among citizens and advocacy groups alike.
In response, HRF and UFRTI have urged the State government to uphold its commitment to transparency and accountability by making the MoU public as soon as possible. The organizations argue that disclosing the details of the agreement would ensure a democratic process and allow for informed discussions about the deal’s potential implications.
The Andhra Pradesh government, currently led by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has yet to comment on the matter publicly. However, it is important to note that such concerns over transparency in decision-making processes have been a recurring theme in Indian politics, with various parties facing criticism for their handling of sensitive information and public funds.
The situation underscores the importance of maintaining transparency in government dealings, particularly when significant investments are at stake. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Andhra Pradesh government responds to these concerns and whether they will choose to disclose the MoU with Google.
