Right to Information Act

The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) is a significant piece of legislation enacted by the Parliament of India to promote transparency and accountability in the workings of the government. Here are the key features and provisions of the RTI Act, 2005:

Objectives:Transparency and Accountability: The primary objective of the RTI Act is to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities. Empowerment of Citizens: It empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, thereby making the government more open and accessible.

Key Provisions
Right to Information: Every citizen has the right to request information from a public authority, which is required to reply within thirty days. Public Authorities: Includes bodies of the central government, state governments, and institutions substantially financed by the government, including NGOs.
Exemptions:Certain information is exempt from disclosure, including information affecting national security, personal privacy, and commercial confidentiality. Information Commissioners: Establishes the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) to handle appeals and complaints.
Proactive Disclosure: Public authorities are required to disclose certain information proactively, without any request from the public.
Fee Structure: A nominal fee is prescribed for filing requests, but there are provisions for fee waivers for those below the poverty line. Penalties: Imposes penalties on public information officers (PIOs) for failing to provide information within the stipulated time frame.

Process
Filing an RTI Request: Citizens can file an RTI request in writing or electronically, specifying the information they seek.
Response Time: Public authorities must respond to requests within 30 days, or 48 hours in cases involving the life or liberty of a person.
First Appeal: If the information is not provided or the applicant is dissatisfied, they can file a first appeal to a senior officer in the same department. Second Appeal: If the first appeal is not resolved satisfactorily, a second appeal can be made to the CIC or SIC.

Impact
Increased Transparency: The RTI Act has led to greater transparency in the functioning of public authorities and has exposed corruption and inefficiency.
Citizen Participation: Encourages active citizen participation in governance and oversight.
Policy Changes: The information disclosed under RTI has led to significant policy changes and reforms in various sectors.

Challenges
Implementation Issues: There are challenges in the effective implementation of the Act, including reluctance from public authorities and lack of awareness among citizens.
Privacy Concerns: Balancing transparency with privacy rights remains a concern.
Backlog of Cases: The CIC and SICs often face a large backlog of cases, leading to delays in the appeals process. The RTI Act, 2005, is a landmark legislation in the Indian democratic framework, enhancing the citizens' ability to access information and hold the government accountable.

Sl No	Subject	View
1.	RTI Cell Document	View
2.	RTI Act-2005	View

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Last Modified : Fri 07th June 2024 at 12:28:09 PM