IGNOU BOOK | Right to Information[BPAE-141] ENGLISH MEDIUM

Product Overview & Details

Right to Information (RTI)

The Right to Information (RTI) is a legal right given to citizens of India to obtain information from public authorities. It is provided under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The main purpose of RTI is to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.

1. Meaning of RTI

RTI allows citizens to ask government departments and public authorities for information about their functioning, decisions, records, expenditure, rules, policies, etc.

For example, a citizen can ask a government department how public money was spent on a particular project.

2. Objectives of RTI

The major objectives are:

• To promote transparency in administration.
• To make government officials accountable.
• To help control corruption.
• To empower citizens.
• To improve the quality of governance.
• To increase public participation in administration.

3. Who can use RTI?

Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. The applicant generally does not have to give a reason for asking for the information.

4. What information can be obtained?

Citizens can seek information such as:

• Government records and documents
• Orders and circulars
• Reports
• Official correspondence
• Details of government expenditure
• Certified copies of documents
• Information about government schemes and decisions

5. Public Information Officer (PIO)

Every public authority generally has a Public Information Officer (PIO) who receives RTI applications and provides the requested information according to the Act.

Normally, information should be provided within 30 days. In matters concerning the life or liberty of a person, the law provides for a 48-hour time limit.

6. Exemptions

Some information is exempt from disclosure under the RTI Act. These include certain information relating to:

• National security and sovereignty
• Confidential information
• Certain commercial interests
• Personal privacy
• Information prohibited from disclosure by law

7. Appeals

If a person does not receive information within the prescribed period or is dissatisfied with the response, they can file a First Appeal. A further appeal can be made to the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission, as applicable.

8. Importance of RTI

RTI has strengthened democracy by giving citizens a means to question public authorities and obtain information about government activities. It helps promote open government and administrative accountability.