Context

The 19th anniversary of the Right to Information Act was celebrated on October 12, 2024.

Key Highlights:

• According to a recent report published by civil society group 'Satark Nagrik Sangathan', many commissions are having to wait for more than a year to resolve cases.
• The number of pending cases has crossed 4 lakh this year, up from over 3 lakh in 2022.
• The Maharashtra State Information Commission (SIC) had the highest number of pending appeals and complaints at 1,08,641.
• In another case, the Karnataka High Court has also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on officials for failing to provide information on time under the RTI Act.

Right to Information Act (RTI) 

The Right to Information Act (RTI) is a law that has played a revolutionary role in bringing transparency and accountability in India. This Act gives citizens the right to information so that they can know about the functioning of the government and public institutions.

When was it passed and implemented?

• The Right to Information Act, 2005 was passed and came into force from October 12, 2005.
• The Act strengthens the right to freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.

Related Committees:

• Central Information Commission (CIC): It deals with matters relating to ministries and departments of the Central Government.
• State Information Commission (SIC): It deals with matters relating to departments of State Governments and local bodies.

Importance:

• Transparency: It brings transparency in the functioning of the government and public institutions.
• Accountability: It makes the government and public institutions accountable.
• Reduction of corruption: It helps in preventing corruption.
• Empowerment of citizens: It empowers the citizens and makes them aware of their rights.
• Development: It accelerates development by bringing transparency in development works.

Advantages:

• Access to any information: You can access any public information, whether it is related to government policies or information about any public project.
• Filing a complaint: If your complaint is not resolved, you can appeal to the Information Commission.
• Public Participation: It makes the public a partner in governance.

Disadvantages:

• Delay in providing information by officials: Sometimes officials delay providing information or provide incorrect information.
• Misuse of information: Sometimes information is misused.
• Complex procedure: The process of applying for an RTI can be a bit complex.

Central Information Commission (CIC)

• Founded: Established in the year 2005 by the Central Government under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
• Members: It consists of one Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information Commissioners.
• Appointment: They are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
• Tenure: The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner hold office for such term as may be determined by the Central Government or till the age of 65 years (whichever is earlier).
• Present CIC: Hiralal Samariya