presentation covers all the features of RTI Act.

1. RTI
Right to Information
by
Dr. Sushma Singh

2. What is RTI?
Right to Information came
into effect on 12 Oct. 2005.
RTI provides a legal
framework of citizens’
democratic right to access to
information under the control
of public authorities.

3. Why RTI?
- To promote: transparency
and accountability in the
functioning of every public
authority or for enhancement
of good governance and
strengthening democracy.

4. Which Agencies can
provide information? -1
- Public authority: under the
constitution
 - Agencies abide by any other
law made by parliament.
- Agencies abide by any other
law made by state legislature.

5. Which Agencies can
provide information? -2
 - By notification issued or order passed
by the appropriate government and
includes any: body owned, controlled or
substantially financed.
 - Non- government organization
substantially financed directly or
indirectly by funds provided by the
government.

6. What Information?
- Records, documents Memos,
opinions and advices
- Press releases, Circulars,
orders and logbooks,
Contracts, reports, papers
samples

7. Why RTI? -1
It helps:
 - To promote openness,
transparency and accountability in
the working of every public
authority.
- Reduction in corruption
- Prevent administrative
arbitrariness.

8. Why RTI? -2
- Bridge the gap between providers
and recipients of public services.
- Make citizens part of decision
making.
- Make administrative responsive.
- Strengthen the foundations of
democracy.

9. Procedure -1
- Apply in writing or through
electronic means in English or
Hindi or in the official language
of the area, to the public
Information officer PIO,
specifically the particulars of the
information sought for.

10. Procedure -2
- Reason for seeking
information is not
required to be given.
- Pay fees as may be
prescribed.

11. Fee-1
 - Application fee is rupees 10 only.
 If information is required in electronic for
floppy/CD etc additional charges will be
applicable.
 - Photocopy charges rupees 2 per page
inspection charges of relevant files, documents
and records.
 - No fee for first hour of inspection.
 - Rupees 5 will be charged for every subsequent
hour of inspection or Fraction thereof.

12. Fee -2
- Processing expenses incurred by the
public information officer to be intimated in
writing.
 - Applicant can seek review of the decision
on fees charged by the PIO by applying to
the appropriate Appellate Authority.
 - No fee from people living below poverty
line.
 - Free of cost if the PIO fails to comply
within the time limit as prescribed under the
RTI Act.

13. Time limit to get information
- 30 days if application is filed with
the PIO.
- 35 days in case it is filed with the
Assistant PIO.
- 48 hours in case the matter to
which the information pertains
affects the life and liberty of an
individual.

14. Covers -1
 - RTI came into effect on 12th October
2005central, state and local governments
and all bodies owned, controlled or
substantially financed by the respective
governments section 2(h).
 - Non government organization
substantially financed directly or
indirectly by funds provided by the
appropriate government section 2(e).

15. Covers - 2
- Executive, judiciary and
legislature
- Includes information
relating to private body which
can be accessed by under any
other law for the time being in
force section 2(f)

16. Exemptions -1
 - National security,
contempt of court,
parliamentary privilege
- Trade secrecy
Fiduciary relationship
Foreign government

17. Exemptions -2
- Safety of informer in
law enforcement,
Investigation, and
Cabinet papers
privacy

18. Copyright
 Disclosure which would
involve an infringement of
copyright subsisting in a
person other than the state
may be rejected (section-9)

19. Appeal
 - First appeal with the senior in the
department.
 - Second appeal with information
commission: Envisages an independent
information commission at the central
and state level to be an appellate
authority and to oversee the functioning
of the act. Have various powers under
the RTI Act.

20. Penalties
- The penalties levied
under RTI Act at the rate of
rupees 250/ a day, up to a
maximum of rupees
25,000/- is recovered from
the salary of officials.

21. Thank You
for
your Attention