Explain RTI in detail for 5 marker question each under following subheads

1. Meaning
2. ⁠obligation of public authorities
3. ⁠functions of central information commission
4. ⁠powers and functions of information commission
5. State Commission

Answer 1
RTI stands for Right to Information, and it is a fundamental right granted to the citizens of India
by the government. The Right to Information Act, 2005, empowers individuals to seek
information from public authorities, promoting transparency, and enhancing accountability in
governance. Here's a detailed explanation for a 5-marker question:

1. **Legislation and Purpose:** The Right to Information Act, 2005, was enacted by the Indian
Parliament with the primary objective of ensuring transparency and accountability in the
functioning of government agencies. It provides a legal framework for citizens to access
information held by public authorities.

2. **Scope of Information:** Under the RTI Act, citizens have the right to request information
related to the functioning of government bodies, public authorities, and agencies. This
information includes records, documents, reports, and any other material that is under the
control of public authorities.

3. **Applicability:** The RTI Act is applicable to all states and union territories of India, making it
a powerful tool for citizens across the country to obtain information from government offices,
departments, and agencies. It covers both central and state government bodies.

4. **Process of Seeking Information:** To exercise the right to information, a citizen can file an
RTI application with the relevant public authority. The application should specify the details of
the information sought, and a prescribed fee is often charged. The public authority is required to
respond within a stipulated time frame, usually 30 days, either providing the requested
information or stating the reasons for denial.

5. **Significance and Impact:** The RTI Act has had a significant impact on promoting
transparency and reducing corruption in government processes. It empowers citizens to hold
public authorities accountable for their actions and decisions. By providing access to
information, it enhances the overall democratic governance framework, enabling citizens to
make informed decisions and participate actively in the democratic process.

In summary, the Right to Information Act in India is a crucial legal provision that empowers
citizens to access information held by public authorities, fostering transparency, accountability,
and democratic governance.
Answer 2:
The obligation of public authorities under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is crucial in
ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of government bodies. Here's a
detailed explanation for a 5-marker question:

1. **Proactive Disclosure:** Public authorities are obligated to make information available to the
public proactively. This involves publishing certain categories of information, such as
organizational structure, functions, duties, powers, budget allocation, and details of important
decisions. This proactive disclosure ensures that essential information is readily accessible to
the public without the need for specific RTI requests.

2. **Appointment of Public Information Officers (PIOs):** Every public authority is required to

designate one or more Public Information Officers (PIOs) who are responsible for receiving RTI
applications and facilitating the flow of information. PIOs act as a bridge between the citizens
seeking information and the public authority holding the information.

3. **Time-Bound Response:** Public authorities must respond to RTI applications within a

stipulated time frame, typically 30 days. If the information sought involves the life or liberty of an
individual, the response time is reduced to 48 hours. This time-bound response ensures that
citizens receive timely and effective access to information.

4. **Reasons for Denial:** If a public authority decides to deny the requested information, it is
obligated to provide reasons for the denial. These reasons should be clearly communicated to
the applicant, and if the denial is based on exemptions specified in the RTI Act, the relevant
section of the Act must be cited.

5. **Record Maintenance and Computerization:** Public authorities are required to maintain

records in a manner that facilitates easy and timely access. There is also an obligation to
computerize records to ensure efficient retrieval of information. This helps in reducing delays
and enhancing the accessibility of information to the public.

In summary, public authorities under the RTI Act have the obligation to proactively disclose
information, appoint PIOs, respond to RTI applications within specified time frames, provide
reasons for denial if applicable, and maintain records in a manner conducive to easy access.
These obligations collectively contribute to the overall objective of promoting transparency,
accountability, and citizen participation in the democratic process.
Answer 3:
The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a crucial institution under the Right to Information
(RTI) Act, 2005, in India. It plays a significant role in ensuring the effective implementation of the
RTI Act and acts as an appellate authority for decisions made by Public Information Officers
(PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs). Here's a detailed explanation of the functions of
the Central Information Commission for a 5-marker question:

1. **Adjudication of Appeals and Complaints:** One of the primary functions of the CIC is to
adjudicate appeals and complaints filed by individuals who are not satisfied with the decisions or
responses received from PIOs or FAAs at the central government level. The CIC has the
authority to hear these appeals and make binding decisions.

2. **Review of Decisions:** The CIC reviews decisions made by PIOs and FAAs to ensure
compliance with the provisions of the RTI Act. If it finds any discrepancies or violations, the CIC
can take corrective measures and issue appropriate directions to the concerned public
authorities.

3. **Imposition of Penalties:** The CIC has the power to impose penalties on PIOs for
unreasonable delays in providing information or for withholding information without reasonable
cause. Penalties are intended to serve as a deterrent against non-compliance with the RTI Act
and to emphasize the importance of timely and transparent information disclosure.

4. **Monitoring and Reporting:** The CIC monitors the implementation of the RTI Act and
submits an annual report to the central government. This report provides insights into the
functioning of the Act, identifies challenges, and suggests measures for improvement. It
contributes to the overall assessment of the effectiveness of the RTI framework.

5. **Promotion of RTI Awareness:** The CIC is involved in promoting awareness about the RTI
Act and its provisions. This includes conducting workshops, seminars, and outreach programs
to educate the public, government officials, and other stakeholders about the importance of
transparency and the right to information.

In summary, the Central Information Commission of the RTI Act serves as an appellate
authority, reviewing decisions made by public authorities, imposing penalties for
non-compliance, monitoring the implementation of the Act, and actively promoting awareness.
These functions collectively contribute to the overarching goal of fostering transparency,
accountability, and citizen empowerment in the functioning of government institutions.
Answer 4:
Certainly! The Information Commission, whether at the central or state level under the Right to
Information (RTI) Act, is endowed with specific powers to execute its functions effectively. Here's
a detailed explanation for a 5-marker question:

1. **Adjudicatory Powers:** The Information Commission has the authority to adjudicate on

appeals and complaints filed by individuals who are dissatisfied with the responses or decisions
of Public Information Officers (PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs). The Commission's
decisions are legally binding, and it can order the release of information, impose penalties, and
provide appropriate remedies.

2. **Penalty Imposition:** One of the significant powers of the Information Commission is the
ability to impose penalties. If it finds that a Public Information Officer has delayed the release of
information without reasonable cause, or if there has been a wrongful denial of information, the
Commission can impose penalties on the concerned officer. This serves as a deterrent against
non-compliance with the RTI Act.

3. **Review and Correction of Decisions:** The Commission is empowered to review decisions

made by PIOs and FAAs to ensure they comply with the provisions of the RTI Act. If it identifies
any procedural irregularities, violations, or errors, the Commission can correct these issues and
ensure proper adherence to the Act.

4. **Summoning and Enforcing Attendance:** Information Commissions have the power to

summon individuals, including government officials and public servants, and compel their
attendance during hearings. This authority is crucial for conducting thorough investigations and
obtaining necessary information to make informed decisions.

5. **Monitoring and Reporting:** The Commission plays a key role in monitoring the
implementation of the RTI Act. It submits regular reports to the government, assessing the
performance of public authorities, identifying challenges, and making recommendations for
improvements. This monitoring function contributes to the overall effectiveness and
transparency of the RTI framework.

In summary, the Information Commission's powers include adjudicatory authority, the ability to
impose penalties, the power to review and correct decisions, the authority to summon
individuals, and a role in monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the RTI Act. These
powers collectively empower the Commission to uphold the principles of transparency,
accountability, and citizen empowerment in the governance process.
Answer 5:
The State Information Commission (SIC) is a key component of the Right to Information (RTI)
Act, operating at the state level in India. It plays a crucial role in overseeing and implementing
the provisions of the RTI Act within a specific state. Here's a detailed explanation for a 5-marker
question:

1. **Establishment and Jurisdiction:** The State Information Commission is established by the

state government as per the provisions of the RTI Act. Each state in India has its own SIC. The
Commission has jurisdiction over matters related to the implementation of the RTI Act within the
state boundaries.

2. **Composition:** The SIC is typically headed by a Chief Information Commissioner, and there
may be Information Commissioners as well. The Chief Information Commissioner and
Information Commissioners are appointed by the state government. These commissioners
collectively form the quasi-judicial body responsible for hearing appeals and complaints related
to the RTI Act.

3. **Adjudication of Appeals and Complaints:** One of the primary functions of the State
Information Commission is to adjudicate on appeals and complaints filed by individuals who are
dissatisfied with the decisions or responses of Public Information Officers (PIOs) and First
Appellate Authorities (FAAs) at the state level. The decisions of the SIC are binding and can
include orders for information disclosure, imposition of penalties, and other remedies.

4. **Penalty Imposition:** Similar to the Central Information Commission, the State Information
Commission has the authority to impose penalties on PIOs for unjustified delays in providing
information or for wrongfully withholding information. Penalties serve as a deterrent against
non-compliance with the RTI Act.

5. **Monitoring and Reporting:** The SIC monitors the implementation of the RTI Act within the
state and submits annual reports to the state government. These reports provide insights into
the functioning of public authorities, identify challenges in the implementation of the Act, and
suggest measures for improvement. This monitoring function contributes to the overall
assessment of transparency and accountability in the state.

In summary, the State Information Commission, established at the state level, plays a vital role
in adjudicating appeals and complaints, imposing penalties for non-compliance, monitoring the
implementation of the RTI Act, and submitting reports to the state government. These functions
collectively contribute to the promotion of transparency, accountability, and citizen
empowerment within the state governance framework.