Right to information is a fundamental right of any citizen of India to know what is happening with the government. Every individual has the freedom to seek any government related information through this RTI act 2005. The Right to information act (2005) is one of the key legislation enacted by the Parliament which guarantees the right and freedom of every citizen of India to get the information related to our government dealings, both at centre and the states.
Right to information act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information. Right to Information empowers every citizen to seek any information from the Government, inspect any Government documents and seek certified photocopies thereof. Right to Information also empower citizens to official inspect any Government work or to take sample of material used in any work.
Right to Information is a part of Fundamental Rights under ARTICLE 19(1) of the Constitution. Article 19 (1) says that every citizen has freedom of speech and expression.
This act was passed in the Indian Parliament on 15th June 2005 and was brought into force on 12 October 2005.
Applicability: This Right to Information act is applicable to all the states and Union territories of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own Right to Information act 2009. Every citizen of India has the right to seek information through this act. Only an Individual can use this RTI facility. A group or company cannot request for any information.
Covered Govt Offices: The citizen of India has all the right to seek information related to the Indian constitutional authorities, viz; the executive, the legislative, judiciary, any other institution or body constituted by the act of parliament or State Legislature. Any private institution financed and supported by the constitutional authorities.
Who is responsible: Every government office will have its own PIO(Public Information Officer) who is responsible to accept the request from the public and provide the information within 30 days of their request. A minimum fee is charged from the public. People from BPL(Below PovertyLine) are exempted from paying any fee to seek any information. Also there are APIOs(Assistant Public Information Officers) available in the post offices located in main cities and towns.
Information type: This act facilitates the citizen of India to obtain government documents, to inspect government documents, to inspect government works and to get the samples. (Government document means anything big to small including the Ration card, Election ID card).
Time Frame: The time frame to obtain any information is 30 days from the date of application. If the application was submitted through APIO, then the time frame is 35 days. In the case of information relating to life and death warranting very urgent information, the information to be provided within 48 hours from the time of application.
Restriction of Information: There is a restriction in seeking information according to the official secret act 1923 and such information will not be revealed or provided to the citizen of India in the interest of the country’s security. No information pertaining to offices and section dealing with security of the nation which will endanger the national security, security to personnel,. Like the defence, CB CID, BSF,Police etc; However, any issues relating to malfunction or Corruption in the department are excluded , and can be sought through this RTI act.
Appeals: An appeal can be made to the appellate authority. If the first appeal is not replied, then the second appeal can be made to the Information Commission.
Actions on delay information: The officer is charged Rs. 250 per day as penalty for the delay. He is likely to be charged Rs. 25000 for providing wrong information or for denial of information, and disciplinary action will be initiated against the officer who fails to provide information and if his explanation is not duly justified.
Word limit: There is no word limitation when the act was brought into force. Now the government is thinking to impose restriction on the word limit to 500 words per application.
Right to information act helps the citizen to exercise their fundamental right to get information without any denial from the authorities. It helps the people to get the information pertaining to self relating to the government. It also helps to find out the corrupt functioning of the government and its officials. It keeps a check on government to conduct its business in a very fair manner. This act creates a fear in the minds of government servants to think and work that they are the servants of the people of this nation. Many government scandals have been brought out
This Right to Information act has been conceived and delivered in a better shape that will lead India to move forward by reducing corruption in government departments. With this a government servant recognizes and respects the citizen of India and the government fears its people for wrong doings.
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The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) is a law that gives citizens of India the right to access information held by the government. The Act was passed by the Indian Parliament on 15 June 2005 and came into force on 12 October 2005. The RTI Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation in India, as it gives citizens the power to hold the government accountable.
To empower citizens to participate in the governance process;
To curb corruption; and
To improve the quality of governance.
The RTI Act has several benefits for citizens, including:
It helps to improve transparency and accountability in the government;
It empowers citizens to participate in the governance process;
It helps to curb corruption; and
It improves the quality of governance.
To file an RTI application, a citizen can either write a letter or fill up an online form. The application must be addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned government department or organization. The PIO is the person who is responsible for providing information under the RTI Act.
The RTI fees are nominal and vary depending on the type of information being sought. For example, the fee for seeking information from a central government department is Rs. 10.
If a citizen is not satisfied with the response received from the PIO, he/she can appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA). The FAA is a senior officer who is appointed by the government. The FAA’s decision is final and binding on the PIO.
If a citizen is not satisfied with the decision of the FAA, he/she can file a complaint with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the State Information Commission (SIC). The CIC and the SIC are independent bodies that are responsible for ensuring compliance with the RTI Act.
The RTI Act has been very successful in promoting transparency and accountability in the government. It has also empowered citizens to participate in the governance process. However, there are some challenges that need to be addressed in order to make the RTI Act more effective. These challenges include:
Lack of awareness about the RTI Act among citizens;
Intimidating Attitude of government officials towards RTI applicants;
Delays in providing information; and
Rejection of RTI applications on frivolous grounds.
Despite these challenges, the RTI Act has been a game-changer in India. It has helped to improve transparency and accountability in the government, and it has empowered citizens to participate in the governance process. The RTI Act is a powerful tool that can be used to fight corruption and improve the quality of governance in India.
The future of the RTI Act is bright. The Act has been widely acclaimed both within India and abroad. It has been cited as a model for other countries that are looking to introduce similar legislation. The RTI Act is here to stay, and it will continue to play a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in the government.
What is the Right to Information Act?
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is an Act of the Parliament of India to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government.
Who can file an RTI application?
Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. A citizen means a person who is a citizen of India and ordinarily resident in India.
What information can be sought under the RTI Act?
Any information under the control of a public authority can be sought under the RTI Act. This includes information in the form of documents, records, files, audio-visual records, transcripts, minutes, notes, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, orders, instructions, circulars, memoranda, replies, reports, papers, studies, surveys, charts, graphs, photographs, plans, maps, drawings, sketches, models, specimens, objects, and any other material in any form.
How can an RTI application be filed?
An RTI application can be filed in writing in any language. The application should be addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the public authority concerned. The application should be accompanied by a fee of Rs.10/-.
What is the time limit for responding to an RTI application?
The PIO is required to respond to an RTI application within 30 days of the receipt of the application. However, this time limit can be extended by 30 days if the PIO is satisfied that the request for information is complex or voluminous.
What are the consequences of not responding to an RTI application?
If the PIO does not respond to an RTI application within the stipulated time limit, the applicant can file a complaint with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or the State Information Commission (SIC). The CIC or the SIC can impose a penalty of up to Rs.25,000/- on the PIO for not responding to an RTI application.
What are the remedies available if the information provided is not satisfactory?
If the information provided by the PIO is not satisfactory, the applicant can file a second appeal with the CIC or the SIC. The CIC or the SIC can order the PIO to provide the information or to pay a penalty to the applicant.
What are the penalties for providing false or misleading information?
Any person who provides false or misleading information under the RTI Act is liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to 2 years or with a fine of up to Rs.25,000/- or with both.
Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Right To Information:
Which of the following is not a fundamental right? (A) Right to life (B) Right to freedom (C) Right to information (D) Right to Property
The Right to Information Act was passed in the year (A) 2000 (B) 2005 (C) 2010 (D) 2015
The Right to Information Act gives citizens the right to access information held by (A) The government (B) Public authorities (C) Both government and public authorities (D) None of the above
The Right to Information Act does not apply to (A) Cabinet papers (B) Strategic information (C) Trade secrets (D) All of the above
The Right to Information Act has been hailed as a landmark legislation because it has (A) Increased transparency and accountability in government (B) Empowered citizens to hold the government accountable (C) Facilitated access to information for citizens (D) All of the above
The Right to Information Act has been criticized for (A) Being too bureaucratic (B) Being too slow (C) Being too expensive (D) All of the above
The Right to Information Act has been amended twice, in the years (A) 2006 and 2012 (B) 2005 and 2010 (C) 2004 and 2009 (D) 2003 and 2008
The Right to Information Act has been challenged in court on the grounds that it (A) Is unconstitutional (B) Is ultra vires (C) Is violative of fundamental rights (D) All of the above
The Right to Information Act has been upheld by The Supreme Court on the grounds that it (A) Is constitutional (B) Is intra vires (C) Is not violative of fundamental rights (D) All of the above
The Right to Information Act has had a positive impact on governance in India by (A) Increasing transparency and accountability (B) Empowering citizens to hold the government accountable (C) Facilitating access to information for citizens (D) All of the above