The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is a key legislation that empowers citizens to access information from public authorities, strengthening transparency, accountability, and democratic governance in India.
BulletsIn
- The RTI Act, 2005 enables citizens to seek information from government bodies to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
- It mandates timely response, generally within 30 days, from Public Information Officers (PIOs) to RTI applications.
- The Act was enacted by the Department of Personnel and Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
- It established a three-tier structure: Public Information Officer, First Appellate Authority, and Central/State Information Commissions.
- The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 changed provisions related to tenure, salary, and service conditions of Information Commissioners.
- The Act applies to all constitutional bodies, government-funded organisations, and public utility companies, with some exemptions for intelligence and security agencies.
- It has played a major role in reducing corruption and empowering citizens by enabling public scrutiny of government functioning.
- Despite its success, challenges include delays, pendency of appeals, lack of awareness, and threats to RTI activists.