Right to Information

Introduction to Right to Information (RTI)

The Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental legal provision that empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities. Enacted in India through the Right to Information Act, 2005, it aims to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the functioning of government institutions. Under this law, any citizen can request information from a public authority, which is required to respond within a specified time frame. RTI ensures that the actions of the government remain open to public scrutiny, thereby reducing corruption and enhancing citizen participation in democratic processes.

Objectives of Right to Information

1. Transparency in Governance: To make the working of government bodies open and visible to the public.
2. Accountability: To hold public authorities responsible for their decisions and actions.
3. Citizen Empowerment: To enable citizens to actively participate in the democratic process by accessing information.
4. Reduction of Corruption: To prevent misuse of power by exposing irregularities and promoting ethical administration.
5. Improved Public Services: To ensure efficiency and responsiveness in government services by making officials answerable.