Legal Aspects of Business

Right To Information Act, 2005

RTI, 2005

Any citizen may request information from a "public authority" which is required to reply expeditiously or within 30 days.

Objectives of RTI

Greater transparency. Improvement in accountability and performance of

the Govt.
Participation of the citizens in the Govt.s decision making process. Reduction in corruption in Govt. Depts.

Scope of RTI

Covers whole of India accept J&K. Applicable to all constitutional authorities, including

executive, legislature and judiciary.

Includes bodies substantially financed, directly or indirectly by funds provided by the government. Private bodies are not within the Act's ambit directly.

Need for RTI

Translating right into reality. Informed about current affairs and broad issues.

Information and economic development.

Right to know relations with other basic rights.

Transparency.

Features of RTI

More progressive participatory and meaningful role. Suo Motu information.

Procedure for securing information.

Speedy delivery of information. 2-tier mechanisms for appeal. State information commission powers of court.

Important players in RTI Act

Central Information Commission. Central Public Information Officer. Chief Information Commissioner. State Information Commission. State Information Commissioner. State Public Information Officer.

Powers of RTI

Ask any questions from the Government or seek any information.

Take copies of any governmental documents.

Inspect any governmental documents. Inspect any Governmental works. Take samples of materials of any Governmental work.

Process
PIO should within 30 days of receipt. APIO should reply within 35 days of receipt. Even if transferred by PIO to public authority, the time allowed to reply is 30 days. Information concerning corruption and Human Rights violations by scheduled Security agencies is to be provided within 45 days but with the prior approval of the Central Information Commission. If life or liberty of any person is involved, the PIO is expected to reply within 48 hours.

Fees
Application Fee Rs 10/NIL for BPL. Additional Fee Rs 2/page for a. For each page created or copied b. For a copy in larger size paper c. For samples or models d. For inspection of records.

Role of Govt.
Develop educational programs for the public especially disadvantaged communities on RTI. Encourage Public Authorities to participate in the development and organization of such programs. Promote timely dissemination of accurate information to the public. Train officers and develop training materials. Compile and disseminate a User Guide for the public in the respective official language. Publish names, designation postal addresses and contact details of PIOs and other information such as notices regarding fees to be paid, remedies available in law if request is rejected etc.

After Affects
Democratization of information and knowledge. Increasing demand by NGOs for participation in development activities. Citizen centric approach to development. Promotion of citizen-govt. partnership Reduction in commission.

Satyamev Jayate