Resolving the conflict between transparency, often promoted through Right to Information (RTI) laws, and the need for secrecy under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) requires a careful balance to ensure both objectives are met effectively. Here are several approaches that can help address this conflict:

Clear Definition and Classification: Clearly define what constitutes sensitive information that falls under the OSA. Governments should establish rigorous criteria for classification, ensuring that only genuinely sensitive information related to national security, diplomacy, or other critical areas is classified under the OSA.

Proportionality and Narrow Application: Ensure that the OSA is applied narrowly and proportionately. Information should only be classified under the OSA when its disclosure would genuinely harm national interests. Avoid over-classification and classify information for the shortest duration necessary.

Strengthen RTI Provisions: Enhance the scope and effectiveness of RTI laws to ensure greater access to non-sensitive government information. This includes promoting proactive disclosure of information that is not sensitive, making it easily accessible to the public.

Independent Oversight and Review: Establish independent bodies or mechanisms to oversee the classification of information under the OSA and the implementation of RTI laws. These bodies can review decisions on classification and ensure that the OSA is not misused to withhold information that should be accessible under RTI.

Public Interest Test: Introduce a public interest test where information that may be classified under the OSA can be disclosed if it is deemed to be in the public interest. This ensures that transparency is prioritized unless there are compelling reasons for secrecy.

Training and Accountability: Provide training to government officials on the proper implementation of both the OSA and RTI laws. Hold officials accountable for improper classification or denial of information under RTI, ensuring consequences for misuse of secrecy provisions.

Dialogue and Stakeholder Engagement: Foster dialogue between government agencies, civil society organizations, and the public on balancing transparency and secrecy. Engage stakeholders in discussions on improving both the OSA and RTI laws to better serve democratic principles while protecting national interests.

Technology and Open Data Initiatives: Leverage technology to enhance transparency and accountability. Implement open data initiatives where non-sensitive government information is proactively published online in accessible formats, reducing the need for formal RTI requests.

International Best Practices: Learn from international best practices on balancing transparency and secrecy. Many countries have frameworks that successfully manage this balance, providing valuable lessons for reforming domestic laws.

By adopting these approaches, governments can effectively navigate the tension between transparency and secrecy, ensuring that essential national interests are protected while promoting openness and accountability in governance.