The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) is one of the most significant reforms in Indian governance. It empowers citizens to access information from public authorities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the working of the government.
Objectives of the RTI Act, 2005
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Promote Transparency and Accountability
The Act aims to create an open government system where citizens can hold public authorities accountable. Empower Citizens
It gives every citizen the legal right to seek information from government bodies.-
Reduce Corruption
By exposing administrative processes to public scrutiny, the Act serves as a deterrent to corruption. -
Strengthen Democracy
An informed citizenry is essential for meaningful participation in a democracy. -
Ensure Efficient Governance
Public authorities are compelled to maintain proper records and respond to queries within a fixed timeline.
Key Definitions
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Information: Any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, emails, opinions, reports, data, etc.
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Right to Information: The right to inspect works, documents, records, take notes, extracts, certified copies, and obtain information in electronic form.
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Public Authority: Any authority or body established or constituted by the Constitution, law, or government notification, including NGOs substantially funded by the government.
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PIO (Public Information Officer): Officer designated to receive and process RTI applications.
Provisions of the RTI Act, 2005
a. Applicability
The Act is applicable to all Central, State, and local public authorities. Private bodies are covered if they are substantially funded by the government.
b. Right to Request Information
Any citizen of India may submit an application to a Public Information Officer (PIO) of a public authority.
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No reason is required to be provided by the applicant.
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Only a nominal fee (usually ₹10) is charged.
c. Time Limits for Response
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30 days from the date of application.
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48 hours if the information concerns the life or liberty of a person.
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5 more days allowed if the application is made to an Assistant PIO.
d. Exemptions from Disclosure (Section 8 & 9)
Certain types of information are exempted, such as:
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National security
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Trade secrets or intellectual property
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Cabinet papers
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Personal information without public interest
Example: An RTI requesting the deployment of army troops at the border will be rejected under national security grounds.
e. Third Party Information
If the requested information relates to a third party, the PIO must consult that party before disclosure and respond within 40 days.
f. Penalties for Non-Compliance
If the PIO:
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Fails to respond within time, or
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Maliciously denies information, or
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Provides incorrect/misleading info
Penalty: ₹250 per day up to a maximum of ₹25,000.
g. Appeals Process
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First Appeal: Made to the senior officer of the same public authority.
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Second Appeal: Made to the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days.
Authorities under the RTI Act
| Authority | Role |
|---|---|
| Central Information Commission | Hears appeals and complaints for central government bodies |
| State Information Commissions | Same function for state-level public authorities |
| PIOs and Assistant PIOs | Handle day-to-day information requests |
Example
If a citizen wants to know the expenditure incurred by a municipal corporation on road repairs, they can file an RTI application. The concerned PIO must provide the information (such as tenders, invoices, project completion details) within 30 days.
Conclusion
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is a powerful legal tool for citizens to access public information. It fosters transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. For UGC NET aspirants, understanding its objectives, structure, and processes is crucial. Key focus areas include the role of PIOs, time limits, exemptions, and the appeals mechanism.