Right To Information Act, 2005, Key Provision and Importance

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, stands as a landmark legislation in India. It empowers citizens with the right to access information held by public authorities, fostering transparency and accountability in governance. This article delves into the key provisions of the Act for CS Exam , equipping you with an understanding of its significance and how you can leverage it.

Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

• Promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of government bodies.
• Empower citizens to participate effectively in decision-making processes.
• Reduce corruption and misuse of power.

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Salient Features of the Right to Information (RTI) Act

• Right to Request Information: Any citizen of India can request information from a public authority in writing or electronically.
• Simple Procedure: The Act outlines a simple application process with minimal fees.
• Timely Response: Public authorities are obligated to respond to RTI requests within a stipulated timeframe, usually 30 days.
• Exemptions: Certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure under the Act, such as national security matters or personal information.
• Appeals Mechanism: If an applicant is dissatisfied with the response or receives no response, they can appeal to a higher authority within the public authority or to the Information Commission.

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Obligations of Public Authorities

• Proactive Disclosure: Public authorities are mandated to proactively disclose certain categories of information through various means, such as websites or public notice boards.
• Appointment of Public Information Officers (PIOs): Each public authority must designate a Public Information Officer (PIO) responsible for receiving and processing RTI requests.
• Maintain Records: Public authorities must maintain records efficiently to facilitate information access.

Designation of Public Information Officers (PIOs)

• Receiving and processing RTI requests.
• Providing information or reasons for denial within the prescribed timeframe.
• Transferring requests to the appropriate PIO if the request pertains to another department.

Right to Information (RTI) Act Exemption from Disclosure

• Information that could affect national security, defense, or strategic interests.
• Information that could harm the relationship with a foreign country.
• Information that could endanger the life or safety of an individual.
• Commercial confidentiality or trade secrets.
• Personal information disclosure that has no public interest.

Right to Information (RTI) Act Information Commissions

• Central Information Commission (CIC): Oversees the implementation of the Act at the national level.
• State Information Commissions (SICs): Oversee the implementation of the Act at the state level.

Powers of Information Commissions

• Order disclosure of information by a public authority.
• Impose penalties on public authorities for non-compliance.
• Recommend disciplinary action against erring officials.

Appellate Authorities

Penalties

Jurisdiction of Courts