Importance of Right To Information Act

The Right to Information Act empowers all Indian Citizens to seek information from public authorities, which includes central, state and local governments, Parliament, judiciary, police, etc. Under RTI, a citizen can ask a question, seek information, take copies of official documents, inspect government work and its progress.

RTI has helped the citizens in the following manner: It has empowered them. It has made them aware of the functioning of the government machinery. RTI has made citizens vigilant and made them more conscious about their rights and duties. It has exposed various scams and has helped citizens in making wise choices.

Important Features of the Right to Information Act, 2005:

Every citizen possesses the right to information.
The term information includes any mode of information in any form of record, document, email, circular, press release, contract sample or electronic data etc.
Right to information covers inspection of work, document, record and its certified copy and information in any other electronic mode.
Applicant can obtain information within 30 days from the date of request in a normal case.

The Need of RTI for Good Governance

The enactment of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was a landmark in the history of public administration in India. The new legislation brought sensitivity, responsibility and accountability to

the development process especially in the rural areas. RTI Act is path breaking in controlling corruption and delays in the implementation of Government-sponsored programs and in the functioning of public authorities.

Information and knowledge are critical for realizing all the human aspirations, such as, improvement in quality of life. Before this Act, the accountability of public authority was practically minimal. The people who voted for the formation of democratically elected Governments and paid taxes to finance public activities had no legal rights to know as to what process has been followed in framing the policies affecting them, how the programs have been implemented, who are the concerned officials associated with the decision making process and execution of the schemes and why the promises made for delivery of essential goods and services to the poor have not been fulfilled.

Conclusion

RTI – the significant instrument to access public information is a unique legislation that puts a common man in the same footing as that of an MP, MLA or any other member within the authority to seek accountability and appropriation of the functioning of the Government.

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