The objectives of the RTI Act, 2005 include promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation, reducing corruption, empowering citizens, improving governance, ensuring timely responses from public authorities, protecting citizens’ right to information, fostering openness, and strengthening democracy and social justice across India. 

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is one of the most important laws in India that gives power directly to the people. It allows any citizen to ask questions and seek information from the government, like how public money is being spent, how decisions are made, or whether rules are being followed. Before this law, much of what happened inside government offices was hidden, which often led to corruption and poor services.

With the RTI Act in place, government departments are required to share information when asked. This helps make the system more transparent and accountable. If someone doesn’t get the right information or is ignored, they can even appeal and get help from higher authorities.

This law is especially helpful for ordinary people, journalists, and activists who want to make sure the government is doing its job honestly. It has helped uncover many scams and improve public services.

In simple words, the RTI Act gives citizens the right to know what’s happening behind government doors. It strengthens our democracy by making the government answerable to the people. It’s a law that truly puts the power back in the hands of the public.

What is the RTI Act, 2005?

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a landmark law in India that gives citizens the power to seek information from the government. It was introduced to make the government more open, transparent, and accountable. Under this law, any Indian citizen can request information from a public authority, such as a government office, department, or agency, and they are legally bound to provide it within a specific time frame, usually 30 days.

Before the RTI Act came into existence, much of what happened inside government offices was hidden from the public eye. This lack of transparency often led to corruption, inefficiency, and misuse of public funds. The RTI Act changed that by allowing ordinary people to ask important questions, like how tax money is being spent, how government schemes are implemented, or why certain decisions are made.

The RTI Act applies to all levels of government—central, state, and local. It covers ministries, departments, public sector companies, and even NGOs that are substantially funded by the government. However, there are some exemptions, especially concerning national security, defense, and personal privacy.

One of the best things about the RTI Act is that it doesn’t require the applicant to explain why they want the information. This simple but powerful tool has helped expose scams, improve public services, and strengthen democracy in India.

In case a request is denied or ignored, the citizen has the right to appeal. There are even penalties for officials who fail to provide information without valid reasons.

Overall, the RTI Act, 2005, plays a critical role in ensuring that the government remains answerable to the people. It has empowered millions of citizens, making governance more transparent, fair, and accountable.

What is “Information” under the RTI Act, 2005?

Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, “information” means any material that is held by a public authority in any form. It includes a wide variety of data, records, and materials related to the working of government bodies.

Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, 2005:

“Information” means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, and data material held in any electronic form. It also includes information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force.

The Act defines “information” very broadly. It covers:

• Records (written documents, reports, files)
• Documents (official papers, agreements, contracts)
• Memos (official notes or communications)
• Emails (communications through electronic mail)
• Opinions (expert or official views taken during decision-making)
• Advice (recommendations or guidance from one office to another)
• Press releases (statements issued to the media)
• Circulars (notices and internal communications)
• Orders (government decisions, court rulings, notifications)
• Logbooks (maintenance records, visitor records)
• Contracts (agreements made by government bodies)
• Reports (survey reports, audit reports, inspection reports)
• Data held in electronic form (computer files, databases)

It also includes the right to inspect government work, take notes, obtain certified copies of documents, and obtain samples of materials (for example, samples of construction material used in a public project).

Significance of the Right to Information Act 2005

• The RTI Act makes the government more open by allowing citizens to access information about government decisions, policies, and spending.
• It helps reduce corruption because officials know their actions can be questioned by the public at any time.
• Citizens feel empowered as they can directly ask for information from any public authority without giving any reason.
• It strengthens democracy by ensuring that people stay informed and can hold leaders accountable for their actions.
• Public services improve because officials work more carefully when they know their performance can be monitored.
• The Act protects the basic right of citizens to know how the government is functioning and how public money is used.
• It encourages more people to take part in governance by giving them the knowledge needed to raise concerns and suggest improvements.
• The RTI Act promotes a culture of openness and honesty, replacing the old habit of secrecy within government offices.
• It ensures that citizens get responses within a fixed time frame, usually 30 days, helping to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Marginalized and weaker sections of society can use the RTI Act to make sure they are receiving the benefits and services they deserve.

History of RTI 2005

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards transparency and accountability in governance.

The roots of the RTI movement in India can be traced back to various grassroots initiatives and legal battles aimed at securing access to information as a fundamental right.

Pre-Independence Era

Although the formal RTI legislation was enacted in 2005, the idea of transparency and accountability in governance has deep historical roots in India.

During the freedom struggle against British colonial rule, the demand for access to information was intertwined with the broader call for civil liberties and democratic rights.

Several freedom fighters and social reformers championed the cause of transparency in governance as a means to empower citizens and hold the colonial administration accountable.

Post-Independence Era

After India gained independence in 1947, efforts to promote transparency and accountability in governance continued. Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, laid the foundation for the right to information as an essential component of democracy.

Over the years, various legal judgments by the Indian judiciary recognized the right to information as implicit in the right to freedom of speech and expression.

Grassroots Movements and Legal Battles

In the absence of a comprehensive legal framework for the right to information, several grassroots movements and civil society organizations took up the cause.

These movements sought to empower citizens by providing them with access to information about government decisions, policies, and actions.

One of the landmark movements in this regard was the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), which pioneered the demand for a national RTI legislation.

Evolution of State-Level Laws

Before the enactment of the RTI Act at the national level, some Indian states had already passed their own legislation to promote transparency and accountability.

States like Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Karnataka enacted their own RTI laws, which served as models for the eventual national legislation.

These state-level laws demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of RTI legislation in enhancing governance and empowering citizens.

The Journey Towards National Legislation

The demand for national RTI legislation gained momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s, fueled by grassroots activism, civil society campaigns, and legal advocacy.

Organizations like the National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI) played a crucial role in mobilizing public support and lobbying the government for legislative action.

Passage of the Right to Information Act, 2005

The culmination of years of activism and advocacy came with the passage of the Right to Information Act, 2005. The Act was introduced in Parliament by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

It received bipartisan support and was unanimously passed by both houses of Parliament. The RTI Act received the President’s assent on June 15, 2005, and came into effect on October 12, 2005.

What Information Can Be Asked Under RTI?

Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, you can ask for almost any information that is related to the functioning, decisions, and activities of government bodies. Some examples include:

• Details of government projects and schemes (like budgets, progress reports, beneficiaries, etc.)
• Copies of official documents, records, and reports (such as meeting minutes, tender documents, policy papers)
• Expenditure of public money (how funds are allocated, spent, or used in government programs)
• Recruitment processes and job appointments (selection procedures, marks secured in exams, eligibility criteria)
• Details of government decisions and the reasons behind them (how and why a decision was made)
• Service delivery information (like delays in issuing passports, ration cards, driving licenses)
• Inspection of government works or public offices (physically inspecting government files, works, and records)
• Performance reports and audits (performance of schools, hospitals, municipalities, government-run institutions)
• Policies and guidelines (rules, regulations, laws applicable to the public)
• Contracts and agreements made by the government (details of awarded tenders, terms and conditions)

A Few Important Points:

1. No personal questions: You cannot ask for private information about a third person unless it relates to public interest.
2. No classified information: Information affecting national security, sovereignty, or certain confidential matters (like defense secrets) is exempt.
3. No intellectual property information: Trade secrets and sensitive commercial information are protected unless it’s necessary for public interest.

Salient Features of the Right to Information Act 2005

• Any Indian citizen can request information from government bodies.
• Government offices must respond to RTI requests within 30 days.
• The Act covers central, state, and local government departments, public sector companies, and government-funded NGOs.
• Applicants are not required to give reasons for seeking information.
• Information related to national security, defense, and personal privacy is exempted.
• If information is denied, citizens can file an appeal and even approach higher authorities.
• Public authorities must appoint Public Information Officers (PIOs) to handle RTI applications.
• Penalties can be imposed on officials for unjustified delays or refusals in providing information.
• Some important information must be proactively disclosed by government bodies without waiting for RTI requests.
• The Act promotes transparency, reduces corruption, and strengthens democracy.

Objectives of the Right to Information Act 2005

#1 Promoting Transparency and Accountability

One of the primary objectives of the RTI Act is to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of government institutions.

Before the enactment of this law, the operations of public authorities were often shrouded in secrecy, leading to widespread corruption and inefficiency.

By mandating the disclosure of information, the RTI Act ensures that the workings of the government are visible to the public, thus fostering a culture of accountability.

Transparency is crucial in building trust between the government and the citizens. When government actions and decisions are transparent, it becomes easier for citizens to understand and evaluate the rationale behind them.

This not only reduces the scope for arbitrary decision-making but also encourages public officials to adhere to rules and regulations, knowing that their actions are subject to public scrutiny.

#2 Empowering Citizens

The RTI Act is a tool for empowering citizens. It provides individuals with the legal right to access information held by public authorities.

This empowerment is crucial in a democracy, as it allows citizens to be informed about government actions and policies that affect their lives.

With access to information, citizens can make more informed decisions, participate actively in the democratic process, and hold the government accountable for its actions.

By enabling citizens to access information, the RTI Act promotes an informed citizenry. Informed citizens are better equipped to exercise their rights and responsibilities.

They can question the government, demand improvements in public services, and ensure that their rights are protected. This empowerment is especially important for marginalized and disadvantaged communities, who often face barriers in accessing information and resources.

#3 Reducing Corruption

Corruption has been a persistent issue in many public sectors in India. The RTI Act serves as a deterrent to corrupt practices by making the processes and decisions of public authorities more transparent.

When officials know that their actions are subject to public scrutiny, they are less likely to engage in corrupt activities. Citizens, armed with the right to information, can expose corrupt practices and demand corrective action, thereby contributing to cleaner governance.

The RTI Act acts as a powerful tool in the fight against corruption. Enabling citizens to access information related to public spending, project implementation, and administrative decisions, helps to uncover irregularities and malpractices.

Civil society organizations, journalists, and activists have used the RTI Act to expose numerous instances of corruption, leading to greater accountability and integrity in public administration.

#4 Enhancing Public Participation

For a democracy to function effectively, citizens must be engaged and participative. The RTI Act enhances public participation by providing citizens with the information they need to engage meaningfully with the government.

Whether it’s understanding how public funds are being utilized or knowing the rationale behind policy decisions, access to information allows citizens to participate in governance processes more effectively.

Public participation is a cornerstone of democratic governance. The RTI Act ensures that citizens are not passive recipients of government decisions but active participants in the decision-making process.

By enabling access to information, the Act fosters a more inclusive and participatory democracy, where citizens can voice their opinions, contribute to policy formulation, and monitor the implementation of government programs.

#5 Improving Governance and Decision-Making

The RTI Act also aims to improve governance and decision-making within public authorities. When information is accessible to the public, it encourages authorities to maintain better records and manage their affairs more efficiently.

The knowledge that their decisions and actions are open to public scrutiny encourages public officials to be more careful and judicious in their duties. This leads to better governance and more thoughtful decision-making.

The RTI Act promotes a culture of accountability and responsibility within public authorities.

By ensuring that information is readily available, it encourages officials to adhere to standards of good governance. This, in turn, leads to improved service delivery, efficient utilization of resources, and better outcomes for citizens.

#6 Fostering a Culture of Openness

Another important objective of the RTI Act is to foster a culture of openness within the government. In the past, government operations in India were often conducted in a secretive manner, contributing to a lack of trust between the public and the government.

The RTI Act helps to break down these barriers by promoting openness and ensuring that information is freely available. This cultural shift towards openness can improve the relationship between the government and citizens, leading to greater trust and cooperation.

Openness and transparency are essential for building a democratic society. The RTI Act encourages public authorities to proactively disclose information, reducing the need for citizens to file requests.

#7 Ensuring Responsiveness of Public Authorities

Public authorities are required to respond to RTI requests within a specified time frame, usually 30 days. This responsiveness is a critical aspect of the RTI Act.

It ensures that public authorities are prompt and efficient in handling requests for information. By mandating timely responses, the Act helps reduce bureaucratic delays and ensures that citizens receive the information they need without unnecessary hurdles.

Timely access to information is crucial for citizens seeking redressal of grievances or accountability for public services.

The RTI Act’s provisions for timely responses ensure that information is not withheld or delayed, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public authorities.

#8 Protecting the Right to Information

The RTI Act enshrines the right to information as a fundamental right of citizens, derived from the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

This legal backing is crucial as it protects citizens’ right to information against arbitrary denial by public authorities. The Act provides mechanisms for appeal and redressal if information is not furnished, thus safeguarding the right to information.

The RTI Act establishes a robust framework for protecting and enforcing the right to information. It sets out clear procedures for requesting information, defines the responsibilities of public authorities, and provides for penalties in case of non-compliance.

This legal framework ensures that the right to information is upheld and that citizens can seek recourse in case of denial or delay.

#9 Strengthening Democracy

At its core, the RTI Act strengthens the democratic framework of India. Ensuring that citizens have access to information promotes transparency, accountability, and participation, which are essential pillars of democracy.

An informed citizenry is better equipped to make decisions, vote intelligently, and hold the government accountable, thereby enhancing the overall democratic process.

The RTI Act is a testament to the democratic values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It empowers citizens to exercise their rights and responsibilities, fostering a more vibrant and participatory democracy.

By ensuring that government actions are transparent and accountable, the RTI Act strengthens the foundations of democratic governance.

#10 Facilitating Social Justice

The RTI Act also plays a role in facilitating social justice. Marginalized and disadvantaged groups often face significant barriers in accessing information.

The RTI Act provides these groups with a powerful tool to access information related to their rights and entitlements.

For instance, they can seek information about the implementation of social welfare schemes, thereby ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients and are not siphoned off by corrupt officials.

Access to information is a significant component of social justice. The RTI Act empowers marginalized communities to claim their rights and entitlements, ensuring that government programs and schemes reach those who need them the most.

#11 Promoting Efficiency and Effectiveness in Public Services

By making public authorities more accountable, the RTI Act promotes efficiency and effectiveness in public services. When public officials know that their performance is subject to scrutiny, they are likely to perform their duties more diligently.

This can lead to improvements in the delivery of public services, ensuring that citizens receive better services and that public resources are used more effectively.

The RTI Act encourages public authorities to streamline their processes and improve record-keeping practices. This not only enhances the efficiency of public services but also ensures that information is readily available when requested.

Improved efficiency and effectiveness in public services contribute to better governance and greater public satisfaction.

#12 Educating Citizens

The RTI Act also serves an educational purpose. It educates citizens about their rights and the functioning of the government.

Through the process of seeking information, citizens become more knowledgeable about how government institutions operate and how decisions are made. This education is critical for the development of an informed and engaged citizenry.

Important Provisions of the RTI Act, 2005

1. Right to Information (Section 3)

The Act recognizes that information is a fundamental right of citizens. Every Indian citizen can request access to information held by public authorities. This empowers people to demand transparency in government functioning and hold officials accountable for their actions.

2. Obligations of Public Authorities (Section 4)

Public authorities are bound to:

• Maintain Records Properly: All records should be organized, catalogued, and indexed.
• Computerization: Where possible, records should be computerized for easier access.
• Proactive Disclosure: Authorities must publish important details like:
  • • Organizational structure and duties.
    • Powers and functions of employees.
    • Decision-making processes.
    • Norms for discharging functions.
    • Rules, manuals, and records used by employees.
    • Subsidy programmes and their beneficiaries.
    • Concessions, permits, and authorizations granted.
• Provide Reasons for Decisions: Citizens affected by decisions should know why certain administrative or judicial steps were taken.
• Regular Updates: This information must be updated annually to stay current.

The idea is to reduce the need for people to even file an RTI request, as much information should already be available publicly.

3. Appointment of Public Information Officers (Section 5)

• Every public body must appoint Public Information Officers (PIOs) within 100 days of the Act coming into force.
• Assistant PIOs must also be designated at sub-divisional or sub-district levels.
• Their role is to assist citizens in filing requests and ensuring speedy disposal of applications.

If a PIO seeks assistance from another officer, that officer is legally treated as a PIO for compliance.

4. Requesting Information (Section 6)

• Citizens can submit requests in writing or electronically, in English, Hindi, or the regional language.
• A nominal application fee may apply, but no reasons for seeking information need to be given. Citizens only have to provide contact details.
• If the application is made to the wrong public authority, it must be transferred to the correct one within 5 days.

5. Timelines and Disposal of Requests (Section 7)

• Information must be given within 30 days.
• If it concerns the life or liberty of a person, information must be provided within 48 hours.
• If the PIO fails to respond in time, it is treated as a refusal to provide information.
• If additional fees are required (for printing, photocopying, etc.), the applicant must be informed.
• No fees for people below the poverty line (BPL).
• Requests must be provided in the form requested, unless it is impractical.

6. Exemptions from Disclosure (Sections 8 & 9)

There are certain categories of information that cannot be disclosed, such as:

• National security matters.
• Information forbidden by a court or causing contempt of court.
• Trade secrets and commercial confidence.
• Information available due to fiduciary relationships (like a lawyer-client relationship).
• Cabinet discussions (until decisions are made).
• Information that could endanger someone’s life or safety.

However, if the larger public interest demands disclosure, some of these exemptions can be overridden.

7. Partial Disclosure (Section 10)

If only parts of a document are exempted, the rest of the information must be provided after separating the sensitive parts.

8. Third-Party Information (Section 11)

If the requested information relates to or has been provided by a third party and is confidential:

• The third party must be notified.
• They get 10 days to object.
• The PIO must consider their objections before deciding whether to disclose the information.

Public interest is again the deciding factor if disclosure is contested.

9. Establishment of Information Commissions (Chapters III and IV)

• Central Information Commission (CIC) at the Centre.
• State Information Commissions (SICs) in each State.

Each commission includes:

1. A Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).
2. Up to 10 Information Commissioners.

Appointments are made by the President (for CIC) and Governor (for SIC), based on the recommendation of a committee that includes the Prime Minister/Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, and a Cabinet Minister.

Commissioners serve for 5 years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

10. Powers and Functions of the Information Commissions (Sections 18-20)

The Commissions have powerful roles:

• Receive complaints if access to information is denied.
• Conduct inquiries with the powers of a civil court (summoning witnesses, requiring documents, etc.).
• Order disclosures if necessary.
• Impose penalties on erring officers: ₹250 per day up to ₹25,000.
• Recommend disciplinary actions if officers persistently deny information.
• Compensate complainants if they suffered a loss due to the denial of information.

11. Protection for Officials (Section 21)

Government officials acting in good faith under the RTI Act are protected from any legal proceedings.

12. Overriding Effect (Section 22)

The RTI Act overrides all other laws, including the Official Secrets Act, 1923, if there is any inconsistency.

13. No Jurisdiction of Courts (Section 23)

Courts are barred from entertaining cases related to RTI decisions; only the RTI appeal mechanism is allowed.

14. Exemptions for Certain Intelligence and Security Organizations (Section 24)

Agencies like IB, RAW, CRPF, CISF, BSF, etc., are exempt from RTI, except in cases involving allegations of corruption or human rights violations.

15. Annual Reports (Section 25)

The CIC and SICs must:

• Prepare annual reports on RTI implementation.
• These reports must be tabled before the Parliament or State Legislatures.

This promotes accountability of public bodies regarding their transparency practices.

16. Promotion of Awareness and Training (Section 26)

Governments must:

• Organize education and training programs for public and disadvantaged communities.
• Encourage public authorities to share information proactively.
• Publish easy-to-understand user guides to help citizens exercise their rights.

17. Rule-Making Power (Sections 27 and 28)

The Central and State Governments can:

• Set rules about fees, formats, time frames, etc., needed to implement the Act smoothly.
• Modify these rules as necessary over time.

Amendments to the RTI Act

Since its enactment in 2005, the Right to Information (RTI) Act has been amended to change some of its key provisions. The most notable amendment came in 2019 through the RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The RTI Amendment Act, 2019 made three major changes:

Tenure of Information Commissioners:

Originally, the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) at both the central and state levels had a fixed term of five years or until the age of 65 years, whichever was earlier. After the amendment, the central government has the power to decide their tenure through rules. No fixed term is mentioned in the Act itself now.

Salaries and Service Conditions:

Earlier, the salaries and allowances of the CIC and ICs were the same as those of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. After the amendment, the salaries, allowances, and other service conditions of the CIC and ICs will also be decided by the central government.

Control Over State Information Commissions:

Previously, State Chief Information Commissioners and State Information Commissioners operated independently. Now, their terms and salaries are also subject to rules made by the central government, reducing the states’ autonomy.

FAQs

1. What is the Scope of the RTI Act, 2005?

The RTI Act applies to all public authorities in India, including government departments, public sector undertakings, and bodies substantially funded by the government. It empowers citizens to request information from these bodies, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.

2. Who is covered under the RTI Act?

The RTI Act covers:

• Central, State, and local government bodies
• Public sector companies
• Non-government organizations (NGOs) substantially funded by the government
• Judiciary (with some restrictions)
• Legislature
• Any authority or body established by the Constitution, law made by Parliament/State Legislature, or government notification

3. Are private companies covered under the RTI Act?

No, private companies are not directly covered. However, if a private body is substantially funded by the government, or if information about it can be accessed through a public authority, it can be obtained under the RTI Act.

4. What types of information can be sought under the RTI Act?

You can seek:

• Records, documents, memos
• Emails, opinions, advice
• Press releases, circulars, orders
• Contracts, reports, papers
• Samples and models
• Data held in electronic form
• Information available to public authorities under any other law

5. Is there any information that cannot be disclosed under the RTI Act?

Yes. Information that:

• Affects national security, sovereignty, or integrity
• Breaches parliamentary privileges
• Invades privacy without public interest
• Is protected by law (like Official Secrets Act, 1923)
• Relates to trade secrets or intellectual property can be denied under specific exemptions in Sections 8 and 9 of the RTI Act.

6. Does the RTI Act apply to the judiciary?

Yes, but with limits. Judicial bodies are public authorities under the RTI Act. You can seek administrative information (like recruitment rules, tender processes, etc.), but information about judicial decisions is usually available through court procedures, not RTI.

7. Can information related to security and intelligence agencies be accessed?

Generally NO. But Organizations like RAW, IB, and others listed under the Second Schedule of the Act are exempt from providing information. However, if the information pertains to allegations of corruption or human rights violations, it can still be sought with certain conditions.

8. Are Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) covered?

Individually, MPs and MLAs are not public authorities. However, their offices, if functioning through any public-funded body (like Parliament Secretariat or State Legislature Secretariat), are subject to RTI requests.

9. Does the Act cover NGOs and Cooperative Societies?

• NGOs: If substantially funded (directly or indirectly) by the government, they are covered.
• Cooperative Societies: If formed and substantially funded or controlled by the government, they are covered.

10. What about information that a public authority holds in trust from a private party?

If a public authority holds information from a private party in fiduciary capacity (like confidential records), it may be exempt under Section 8(1)(e), unless public interest outweighs the harm.

11. Can we inspect works, documents, and records physically under RTI?

Yes. Section 2(j) allows not only the right to information but also the right to inspect works, documents, and records, and take certified samples of materials.

12. Is there a time limit for providing the information?

Yes:

• Generally, 30 days from the date of application.
• 48 hours if the information concerns life and liberty.
• 35 days if the request is submitted through an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO).

13. Does the Act extend to Jammu and Kashmir?

After the abrogation of Article 370 (in August 2019), the Central RTI Act, 2005 is now applicable to Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as well.

Verdict

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a powerful law in India that lets citizens ask for information from the government, making it more open and accountable. It’s like a tool that helps people understand how decisions are made, how public money is spent, and whether government projects are on track.

By ensuring government offices respond to queries, usually within 30 days, the RTI Act reduces corruption, encourages honesty, and builds trust between the government and the people. It empowers everyone, promotes fairness, and strengthens democracy by ensuring the government works in the best interest of its citizens.

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