YLC – 12
SYNDICATE NO : 15
Topic – RIGHT TO INFORMATION
CONTENT
• INTRODUCTION
• BASIC HISTORY
• OBJECTIVE AND AMENDMENT(2019)
• HOW IT FUNCTION
• HOW TO APPLY RTI
• CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
The Right to Information (RTI) Act,
2005, empowers citizens to access
information from public authorities
Aimsto foster transparency,
accountability, and reduce
corruption.
The Right to Information (RTI) is an act of the Parliament of
India & Delhi Legislative Assembly which sets out the rules and
procedures regarding citizens' right to access information. It
replaced the former Freedom of Information Act, 2000.
Under the provisions of RTI Act, any citizen of India may
request information from a "public authority" (a body of
Government or "instrumentality of State") which is required to
reply expeditiously or within thirty days. In case of the matter
involving a petitioner's life and liberty, the information has to be
provided within 48 hours.
BASIC HISTORY
First RTI law developed by Sweden in 1766.
Followed after two decades by the US (1966), Norway
(1970), France and Netherlands (1978), Australia, New
Zealand and Canada (1982), Denmark (1985), Greece
(1986), Austria (1987) and Italy (1990).
Idea of RTI in India brainchild of former PM, V.P. Singh in 1990.
First grassroots campaign for the introduction of RTI started by Mazdoor Kisan
Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in 1994.
National Campaign for People’s RTI – Formed in 1996; formulated initial draft of RTI
law for the Government.
Tamil Nadu became first Indian state to pass RTI law in 1997.
Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2002 passed.
Could not be implemented.
Bill for current RTI Act passed on recommendations of National Advisory
Council (NAC) in May 2005, and became fully operational on October 12,
2005.
OBJECTIVE
Transparency and Accountability:
To ensure that public authorities work transparently and
are accountable for their actions and decisions.
Combat Corruption:
By allowing citizens to access information, the RTI Act
seeks to reduce corruption and promote integrity in
public offices.
Empower Citizens:
To enable individuals to seek information and
understand government policies, thereby making them
active participants in governance.
AMENDMENT
The government argued that the amendments were necessary to
streamline service conditions, ensure uniformity, and avoid excessive
expenditure. However, transparency advocates remain skeptical of
these claims.
Perceived Weakening of Independence:
• Before Amendment: The Information Commissioners, with fixed
tenure and salaries equivalent to the Election Commission, were
considered autonomous and authoritative in handling appeals and
complaints.
• After Amendment: Critics argue that the Central Government’s
control over tenure and salaries has led to a perception of diminished
independence, potentially affecting their impartiality. This has raised
concerns about the possibility of undue influence, especially in
politically sensitive cases.
HOW TO APPLY RTI
•Identify the Public Authority:
•Determine which public authority holds the information you need.
•Draft the Application:
•Write the application in English, Hindi, or the official language of the area.
•Include:
•Applicant's name and contact details.
•A clear description of the information sought.
•Any supporting details to help identify the information (e.g., subject matter, department name).
•Attach an application fee of ₹10 (varies for some states).
1. Submit the Application:
1. Send it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned public authority
via:
1. In-person submission.
2. Post.
3. Online portals (available for central government departments and some states).
2. Fee for Additional Information:
1. If the information exceeds a certain number of pages, you may be asked to pay
additional fees (e.g., ₹2 per page).
HOW IT FUNCTION
•Acknowledgment:
•The PIO must acknowledge receipt of the RTI application.
•Timeframe for Response:
•30 days: Normal cases.
•48 hours: If the information involves the life or liberty of a person.
•35 days: If the application is transferred to another department.
•Failure to respond within the stipulated time is deemed a denial of information.
1. Information Provided:
1. Theinformation must be provided in the format requested (if
feasible), such as copies, inspection, or electronic form.
2. Rejection:
1. If
the PIO rejects the request, they must provide reasons,
relevant sections of the RTI Act, and details of the appellate
process.
CONCLUSION
The success of RTI lies in our collective
commitment to seek the truth and demand
accountability. It empowers citizens to
question, challenge, and bring about positive
change by shedding light on governance. As
a cornerstone of transparency, RTI ensures
that power remains in the hands of the
people, fostering a more equitable and
democratic society. Let us use this powerful
tool wisely and responsibly to build a nation
founded on trust, integrity, and justice.
