Right to Information Act
The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI) is a powerful legal right given to citizens to ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. Its main objective is to make information held by government institutions available to the common man.
The following is key information about this law:
Main objectives
Ensure transparency: Make the functioning of government systems transparent to the public.
Prevent corruption: Eliminate the potential for corruption by bringing clarity to operations.
Increase responsibility: Make the government accountable to the people.
Empower citizens: Provide greater participation of the people in the democratic process.
How to submit an application?
The law envisages a simple method for preparing and submitting the application.
Appeal system
If the information is not received within the specified time, or if the information received is incomplete or incorrect, the applicant may appeal:
First appeal: The information should be submitted to the First Appellate Authority of the same office within 30 days of the expiry of the period for receipt of the information.
Second appeal: If the first appeal does not resolve the issue, an appeal can be filed with the State/Central Right to Information Commission (RTI Commission).
Note: രാOfficials are not obligated to disclose certain information under this Act that affects the security, sovereignty, scientific and economic interests of the state, and the privacy of individuals (as per Section 8).