What is Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Provides citizens the right to request information from public authorities.
- 2.
Public authorities are obligated to provide information within 30 days (48 hours if it concerns life or liberty).
- 3.
Exemptions from disclosure are specified in the Act (e.g., information affecting national security, sovereignty, etc.).
- 4.
Establishes the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) to hear appeals.
- 5.
Designates Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) and State Public Information Officers (SPIOs) in public authorities.
- 6.
Imposes penalties on CPIOs/SPIOs for failing to provide information without reasonable cause.
- 7.
Promotes proactive disclosure of information by public authorities.
- 8.
Applies to all constitutional authorities, government bodies, and institutions owned, controlled, or substantially financed by the government.
- 9.
Section 4 mandates suo moto disclosure of information by public authorities.
- 10.
The Act overrides the Official Secrets Act, 1923, to the extent of inconsistency.
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Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 - A Comprehensive Overview
Provides a structured overview of the RTI Act, covering its definition, historical background, key provisions, legal framework, and recent developments.
Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005
- ●Definition
- ●Historical Background
- ●Key Provisions
- ●Legal Framework
- ●Recent Developments
Recent Developments
5 developmentsAmendments to the RTI Act in 2019 regarding the tenure and conditions of service of Information Commissioners.
Debate on bringing political parties under the ambit of the RTI Act.
Concerns about the increasing number of pending cases before the CIC and SICs.
Use of technology to improve the efficiency of RTI implementation.
Efforts to raise awareness about the RTI Act among citizens.