RTI (Right to Information)

RTI (Right to Information), or सूचना का अधिकार, is an act of the Indian Parliament that allows citizens to request information from the government or public authorities. It was enacted in 2005 with the objective of promoting transparency and accountability in government functioning.

Here are some key points about RTI:

• Objective: To empower citizens by allowing them access to information related to government functions, policies, and decisions, which were previously not readily available.
• Who can file RTI: Any citizen of India can file an RTI application. It does not matter whether the person is directly involved with the issue or not.
• Where to file: RTI applications can be filed with the Public Information Officers (PIOs) of various government departments, public sector organizations, and other public authorities.
• Response Time: Under the RTI Act, the government is required to provide information within 30 days of receiving the application. For matters related to the life and liberty of a person, the response time is reduced to 48 hours.
• Exemptions: Certain information may be exempt from disclosure under RTI. This includes matters related to national security, strategic interests, personal information, and information that could harm the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
• Fee: Filing an RTI is generally free, but there may be a nominal fee for processing the request, depending on the type of information sought.

The RTI Act has played a significant role in increasing transparency, curbing corruption, and giving citizens a voice in the workings of the government.