The Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental democratic tool that empowers citizens to seek information from the government, ensuring transparency, accountability, and better governance. It enables people to ask questions, access official records, and hold public authorities accountable for their actions and decisions.
What is the Right to Information?
The Right to Information refers to the legal right of citizens to access information held by public authorities. It encompasses the ability to inspect documents, take notes, extract certified copies, and obtain information in electronic form, subject to certain restrictions for national security, privacy, and public order.
RTI is not just about accessing data—it is a means of participation in governance. By seeking information, citizens can question corruption, delay, inefficiency, and arbitrary decisions made by public officials.
Historical Background and Evolution in India
The concept of the Right to Information emerged globally in the 20th century as part of democratic reforms. In India, the roots of RTI lie in the grassroots movements led by civil society organizations like the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) in Rajasthan during the 1990s. Villagers demanded access to government records to expose corruption in public works and wage disbursements.
This movement gained national momentum and led to several states like Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Delhi enacting their own RTI laws in the early 2000s. The central government eventually passed the Right to Information Act, 2005, which came into full force on October 12, 2005.
The Right to Information Act, 2005: Key Provisions
The RTI Act, 2005 is a landmark legislation that grants all Indian citizens the right to seek information from public authorities. Below are its key features:
- Public Authorities: Includes all bodies of the government, and organizations substantially funded by the government.
- Public Information Officers (PIOs): Every public authority is required to appoint PIOs to handle RTI requests.
- Timeframe for Response:
- 30 days for general information.
- 48 hours if the information concerns the life or liberty of a person.
- Fee Structure: A nominal fee is charged (Rs. 10 per application), and the information is provided at a cost depending on the number of pages or format.
- Exemptions: Certain information is exempt under Section 8 of the Act, such as information affecting national security, cabinet deliberations, or personal privacy, unless the public interest outweighs the harm.
- Appeal Mechanism: Two levels of appeal are provided, followed by a complaint mechanism to the Central or State Information Commissions.
Landmark and Recent RTI Cases
RTI has been widely used by activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens to uncover irregularities. Some notable and recent examples include:
1. RTI on Electoral Bonds Scheme (2023–2024):
Activists filed RTIs seeking transparency on political funding through electoral bonds. The Supreme Court eventually intervened, citing concerns over lack of transparency and the potential for quid pro quo.
2. RTI on COVID-19 Vaccine Procurement (2021–2022):
Citizens sought details on vaccine procurement contracts, pricing differences, and manufacturing timelines. While some information was disclosed, others were denied citing commercial confidentiality.
3. RTI on EWS Quota Data (2023):
An RTI was filed seeking data used to justify the 10% Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota. The government provided limited details, prompting public debate on evidence-based policymaking.
4. RTI on Pegasus Spyware Allegations (2021):
Multiple RTIs were filed to find out whether the Indian government had purchased or used Pegasus spyware. However, most responses were vague or denied citing national security.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its successes, the RTI framework faces several challenges:
- Delay in Responses: Many PIOs fail to respond within the statutory time.
- Dilution of the Act: Amendments in 2019 allowed the government to fix the tenure and salary of Information Commissioners, raising concerns about autonomy.
- Intimidation of Activists: Several RTI activists have faced threats or violence for exposing corruption.
- Poor Record Maintenance: Some departments lack digitized and accessible records.
Conclusion
The Right to Information is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. It transforms governance from secrecy to openness, enabling citizens to participate meaningfully. While there are challenges to its effective implementation, continued public vigilance, judicial support, and institutional reforms can ensure that RTI remains a powerful tool for accountability and transparency.
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