Right To Information Act
Right To Information Act
Right To Information Act
1. Purpose and Background: The Right to Information Act, 2005 is a legislation enacted
by the Indian government to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen
participation in governance. It provides citizens with the right to access information
held by public authorities, thereby empowering them to hold the government
accountable and make informed decisions.
2. Scope of Application: The RTI Act applies to all public authorities at the central,
state, and local levels, including government departments, ministries, public sector
undertakings, and statutory bodies. It covers both central and state governments,
making information accessible to citizens across the country.
3. Right to Information: Under the RTI Act, every citizen has the right to request
information from public authorities. The information can be in the form of records,
documents, memos, opinions, or any other material held by the authority. However,
certain exemptions exist to protect sensitive information related to national
security, privacy, trade secrets, and ongoing investigations.
6. Proactive Disclosure: The RTI Act also emphasizes the importance of proactive
disclosure of information by public authorities. It mandates the disclosure of certain
categories of information, such as budgets, policies, rules, and regulations, on the
authority's website or through other means. This promotes transparency and
reduces the need for citizens to file individual RTI applications.
7. Penalties and Offences: The Act includes provisions for penalties and punishments
for non-compliance and wrongful denial of information. Public officials found guilty
of intentionally withholding information or providing false information can be
subject to penalties and disciplinary actions.
The RTI Act has been instrumental in empowering citizens and promoting transparency
and accountability in India's governance. It has played a crucial role in enabling citizens to
access information, participate in decision-making processes, and hold public authorities
accountable for their actions.