Indian Polity
Right to Information (RTI) Act
Definition
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is a landmark legislation that empowers Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. It promotes transparency and accountability in government functioning by making information accessible to common citizens.
Overview
## Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005
The Right to Information Act, 2005 stands as one of India's most significant transparency legislations, fundamentally transforming the relationship between citizens and government. Born out of decades of activism and advocacy, the Act embodies the principle that information is power and enables citizens to hold public authorities accountable.
### Key Provisions and Framework
The Act applies comprehensively to all constitutional authorities including the executive, legislature, and judiciary at central, state, and local levels. Every public authority must designate Public Information Officers (PIOs) responsible for handling RTI applications and providing information within stipulated timelines.
The legislation mandates that information be provided within 30 days of application, reduced to 48 hours for matters concerning life and liberty. Citizens can access information for a nominal fee of ₹10 for applications and ₹2 per page for photocopies.
### Exemptions and Safeguards
Section 8 lists eleven categories of exempt information including national security, cabinet papers, personal information, and commercial confidence. However, information can be disclosed if public interest outweighs the harm to protected interests.
### Appeal Mechanism
The Act provides a robust two-tier appeal system. First appeals go to senior officers, while second appeals are heard by Central/State Information Commissions. Information Commissioners have quasi-judicial powers and can impose penalties up to ₹25,000 on erring officials.
### Recent Developments
The 2019 Amendment allows the central government to determine tenure and salaries of Information Commissioners, raising concerns about independence. Despite challenges, RTI remains a powerful tool for promoting transparency and participatory governance in Indian democracy.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 stands as one of India's most significant transparency legislations, fundamentally transforming the relationship between citizens and government. Born out of decades of activism and advocacy, the Act embodies the principle that information is power and enables citizens to hold public authorities accountable.
### Key Provisions and Framework
The Act applies comprehensively to all constitutional authorities including the executive, legislature, and judiciary at central, state, and local levels. Every public authority must designate Public Information Officers (PIOs) responsible for handling RTI applications and providing information within stipulated timelines.
The legislation mandates that information be provided within 30 days of application, reduced to 48 hours for matters concerning life and liberty. Citizens can access information for a nominal fee of ₹10 for applications and ₹2 per page for photocopies.
### Exemptions and Safeguards
Section 8 lists eleven categories of exempt information including national security, cabinet papers, personal information, and commercial confidence. However, information can be disclosed if public interest outweighs the harm to protected interests.
### Appeal Mechanism
The Act provides a robust two-tier appeal system. First appeals go to senior officers, while second appeals are heard by Central/State Information Commissions. Information Commissioners have quasi-judicial powers and can impose penalties up to ₹25,000 on erring officials.
### Recent Developments
The 2019 Amendment allows the central government to determine tenure and salaries of Information Commissioners, raising concerns about independence. Despite challenges, RTI remains a powerful tool for promoting transparency and participatory governance in Indian democracy.