RTI - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. RTI stands for Right to Information, which is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution under Article 19(1)(a). It allows citizens to access information held by public authorities.
- 2. The RTI Act was enacted in India in 2005 with the aim of promoting transparency and accountability in the government and reducing corruption.
- 3. Any Indian citizen can file an RTI application to seek information from public authorities, including government departments, ministries, and public sector undertakings.
- 4. The information sought can be in the form of documents, records, reports, or any other material held by the public authority.
- 5. RTI applications can be filed either online or offline, and a nominal fee is charged for filing the application.
- 6. Public authorities are required to respond to RTI applications within 30 days, either by providing the requested information or by giving a valid reason for denying the information.
- 7. RTI can be used to seek information on a wide range of issues, including government policies, decisions, expenditure, and implementation of schemes.
- 8. RTI has been instrumental in exposing corruption, misuse of public funds, and other malpractices in the government.
- 9. RTI has empowered citizens to hold the government accountable and participate in the governance process by making informed decisions.
- 10. RTI has played a significant role in promoting transparency and accountability in governance and has been hailed as a powerful tool for promoting good governance and fighting corruption.