An Introduction to the Right to Information Act, 2005 – Key Features & Benefits

The Right to Information Act of 2005 mandates prompts responses to citizen requests for public records. As per reports, the Act was initiated by the Department of Personnel and Training, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and a few other groups in order to provide information data that is owned or managed by a public body.

Indian individuals have the right to access information kept by public entities thanks to the Right to Information Act of 2005. Goals of the Act include:

• Accountability and transparency: The legislation attempts to increase the accountability and responsibility of the government and its employees.
• Empowering Citizens: Encouraging citizens to monitor the government and demand more responsiveness from it is the act's main goal.
• Reducing corruption: One of the acts' goals is to reduce corruption.

Watch Video – Right to Information Act 2005

Objective of the Right to Information Act

The main goals of the Right to Information Act are to empower citizens, encourage accountability and openness in government operations, combat corruption, and ensure that our democracy really serves the needs of the people. Naturally, a knowledgeable citizen is better able to maintain the essential watchfulness over the tools of government and increase the government's accountability to the people it serves. The Act is a significant step in educating the public about government operations.

Important Features of the R.T.I. Act, 2005

• Each citizen has the right to access information.
• Any type of information, whether it be in the form of a record, document, email, circular, press release, contract sample, electronic data, etc., is included in the word information.
• Information in the form of diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes in any electronic format, stored information on computers, etc., as well as examination of work, documents, records, and their certified copies are all covered by the right to information.
• In a typical scenario, the applicant can acquire the information within 30 days after the date of request.
• If the request relates to someone's life or liberty, information can be received within 48 hours of the request being made.
• All public authorities are required to furnish information upon written request or request made electronically.
• An officer with senior rank may be contacted to contest a decision issued by the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission.
• Refusing to accept an application for information or failing to provide information carries a penalty of Rs. 250 per day but should not exceed Rs. 25,000.
• No court may hear any suit, application, or other proceedings in respect of any order made under the Act.

Right to Information Act 2005: Key Aspects

Here are some key aspects of the Right to Information Act, 2005: 

Public authorities

Public bodies are required by the legislation to make information more accessible to citizens. 

Records

According to the statute, public authorities must keep documents that are easily accessible by cataloging and indexing.

Right to information

The "right to information" is defined under the act as the ability to access data that is owned or managed by a public body.

Number of questions

The amount of questions that can be asked in a single application is not restricted by the statute.

Computerization

According to the statute, public entities must connect their computerized records via a network and computerize those that are suitable for computerization.

For more details and latest videos, click here!