Answer: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 gives every citizen of India the right to obtain information from public authorities, to bring transparency and accountability in administration.
- Background: The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan led by Aruna Roy in Rajasthan demanded public records of government works; in Maharashtra Anna Hazare’s agitation led to the state’s Right to Information Act (2003). Following such movements Parliament passed the central Act.
- The Act was passed in June 2005 and came into force on 12 October 2005.
- Every public authority must appoint Public Information Officers. A citizen can apply in writing with a small fee (Rs. 10; free for people below the poverty line) and need not give a reason.
- Information must be given within 30 days, and within 48 hours where a person’s life or liberty is involved. If not satisfied, the applicant can appeal to the appellate authority and then to the State or Central Information Commission.
- Officers who delay or refuse information without reason can be fined. Information affecting national security, sovereignty or personal privacy is exempted.
- Importance: The Act has made citizens powerful, exposed corruption and misuse of public money, and made the government more answerable to the people.
