The Right to Information Act was passed in 2005 to empower citizens and promote transparency and accountability in government. It mandates that all government bodies provide information to citizens who request it in a timely manner. The objective is to make democracy work for citizens by allowing them access to information so they can keep the government accountable. Citizens can request information by applying in writing or electronically, and fees are minimal. Information includes documents, memos, reports and more. The act aims to reduce corruption and prevent arbitrary administration. Time limits for responses are generally 30 days. Some information like national security or cabinet papers is exempt from disclosure.

1. Right To Information
By
Narendran M S
III – MCT - B

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What is Right To Information ( RTI ) ?
 Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to
citizen requests for government information.
 It is an initiative taken by Department of Personnel and
Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions to provide a– RTI Portal Gateway to the citizens for
quick search of information on the details of first Appellate
Authorities, PIOs etc. amongst others, besides access to RTI
related information / disclosures published on the web by
various Public Authorities under the government of India as
well as the State Governments .

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Objective
 The basic objective of the Right to Information Act is to
empower the citizens, promote transparency and
accountability in the working of the Government, contain
corruption, and make our democracy work for the people in
real sense.
 It goes without saying that an informed citizen is better
equipped to keep necessary vigil on the instruments of
governance and make the government more accountable to
the governed.
 The Act is a big step towards making the citizens informed
about the activities of the Government.

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What does Information mean in RTI ?
 Records
 Documents
 Memos
 Opinions & advices
 Press releases
 Circulars, orders & logbooks
 Contracts
 Reports, papers, samples & models

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Need of RTI
 Promote openness, transparency and accountability in the
working of every public authority
 Reduce Corruption
 Prevent administrative arbitrariness
 Bride the gap between providers and recipient of public
services
 Make citizens part of decision making
 Make administrative responsive
 Strengthen the foundations of democracy

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Procedure for requesting information
 Apply in writing or through electronic means in English or int
official language of the area, to the Public Information Officer
[ PIO ], specifying the particulars of the information sought
for .
 Reason for seeking information are not required to be given .
 Pay fees as may be prescribed .

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Fees and Charges
 Application fee is Rs. 10/-
 If information is required in electronic media, additional
charges will be applicable
 Photocopy charges of Rs. 2/- per page
 No fees from people living below the poverty line .
 Free of cost if the PIO fails to comply within the time limit as
prescribed under the RTI Act .

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Time limits 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

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Exemptions from disclosure of information
 National security
 Contempt of court
 Parliamentary privilege
 Trade secrecy
 Fiduciary relationship
 Foreign government
 Safety of informer in law enforcement
 Investigation
 Cabinet papers
 Copyright

10. Thank You