Right to information act 2005, is one of the most powerful and significant laws made to promote transparency in the Government bodies.
Before the RTI act, there were no ways through which government can hold accountable. No one knows how the government is functioning, where they are spending money and what work they have done.
So, this Act gives people of India to ask for information regarding work, finance and utilization.
The RTI act was passed in India in 12th October 205.
History of the RTI Act
There are many activisim are questioning about how government is working and asking for proofs of the work and money spent. But they have no way to get such information.
The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) is becoming a turning point for it. They find much disparency and fraud in the village level work area. They demand to provide some government data.
After this, Government has introduced Freedome of Information Act. But the law was not properly implement. Later, Government proposed Right to Information Act which implemented all over India.
Why RTI Act was formed?
- This act promote transparency about government administration
- To make government official accountable for their functions
- To reduce corruptions in government office
- To strengthen democractic rights of Indian people
What type of Information you can get from RTI?
People will ask,
- About various government orders and circulars
- Detailed report on budget and expenditure
- Data regarding the employement, recuritment at various government posts
- Status of work ex. pending work, work progress.
- Official document regarding recruitment, fund disbursal and many other documents, emails, contracts etc.
- Where government spend project fund
- What is the progress of the project
Who can apply RTI?
RTI act is applicable for all Indian citizens. Any one can seek information about any government function, project etc.
How long it take you to recieve the information?
On normal basis, RTI should respond to your appeal in 30 days. In case of third party information if needed then it can take up to 40 days.
If the Public information officer does not provide data, than you can appeal it to First appeallate officer, if it does not solve in 30 days than second appeal is done to the central or state information commission as per the information required.
They can even take action against the PIO if they dont provide information.
How can a person file an RTI?
So, a first step is to select on which department you want to file RTI. Ex. you want to check water project in your city that comes under the municipal corporation. Then you will find PIO officer, public information officer. He is present in that department only. Same for other health, education department.
Second step, is to draft the application. Application should clearly mention your name, address and what information you want in RTI. So, submit this to the PIO with fee of 10 rupees.
You can also submit it by person, post or online through the government of india RTI portal.
There are some information that you wont get due to national security, foreign relations, cabinet papers, personal details. This are not comes under RTI act or comes under as national security.