The people of India have right to know every public act,
everything that is done in a public way by their public
functionaries.
www.rti.nic.in
|
www.persmin.nic.in
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www.righttoinformation.org
Some
Salient Features of RTI Act 2005::::
The Act, in brief,
provides for following matters :
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It entitles every citizen to the right
to information.
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Information means material of almost
all types and in any form including records, documents, memos,
e-mails, circular, press releases, orders, contracts, reports,
samples etc.
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Certain information includes
inspection of documents and records, taking extracts thereof or
obtaining its certified copy or in electronic form.
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The Act applies to all public
authorities whether owned, controlled or financed by the Central
Government or State Government.
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Every public authority is obliged to
publish and disseminate certain information, and to furnish the
information requested for in writing or in electronic mode, by any
person.
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The information is required to be
provided within the specified time.
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Certain restrictions have been placed
with regard to disclosure of information relating to a third
party.
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The act also places redressal
mechanism in the form of appeals and complaints.
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It also put in place a supervising
authority in the shape of the Central Information Commission and a
State Information Commission in each state.
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The Act provides for penalties for
non-compliance of certain provisions of or obligation under the
Act.
What is Right to Information Act?
The Government of India has enacted `Right to Information Act
2005` to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to
information for citizens to secure access to information under the
control of Public Authorities in order to promote transparency and
accountability in the working of any public authority.
What does Right to Information mean?
It means the right to information accessible under this Act, which
is held by, or under the control of any public authority to keep
these authorities accountable and transparent by inspecting their
work. It includes the right to:-
1. inspect works,
documents and records.
2. take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or
records.
3. take certified samples of materials
4. obtain information in form of printouts, diskettes, floppies,
tape, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through
printouts.
The Information which is exempted from Disclosure
The Act provides under Sections 8 and 9, certain categories of
information that are exempted from disclosure to the citizens. The
public may also refer to the related sections of the Act before
submitting a request for information.
Who can ask for Information?
Any citizen can request for information by making an application
in writing or through electronic means in English / Hindi /
official language of the areas, in which the application is being
made together with the prescribed fees.
Who will give information?
Public Information
Officers (PIOs) are officers designated by the public authorities
in all administrative units or offices under it to provide
information to the citizens requesting for information under the
act. Any officer, whose assistance has been sought by the PIO for
the proper discharge if his or her duties, shall render all
assistance and for the purpose of contraventions of the provisions
of this Act, such other officer shall be treated as a PIO.
