The Right to Information Act was passed in 2005 to replace the Freedom of Information Act of 2002. It aims to promote transparency and accountability in governance by giving citizens the right to access information held by public authorities. This allows people to inspect documents, take notes, and obtain information to understand how the government functions and encourage participation in democracy. The RTI applies to all bodies constituted under the Constitution or created by legislation and funded by the government. Citizens can now seek information from public offices, universities, public sector companies, and statutory authorities to scrutinize their work and address issues like corruption.

1. RIGHT TO INFORMATION
ACT

2. IMPORTANCE OF
INFORMATION
1) Information brings about transparency &
accountability, both of which helps to
reduce corruption & increase efficiency
in governance.
2) If information is made available to the
citizens, they get to know exactly how the
government is functioning.
3) It also encourages participation of people
in democracy.

3. RTI ACT
 The RTI, 2005 replaces & repeals the Freedom of
Information Act, 2002.
 On 12 oct, 2005 onwards Right to Information act,
2005 is effective.
 This act for the first time has opened up public
entities for scrutiny by citizens.
 People can seek information in the following ways.
They can:
1) Inspect work, documents, records;
2) Take notes, extracts or copies of record;
3) Take certified samples of material; or
4) Obtain information in any electronic form.

4. WHY RTI IS NECESSARY
1) Right to know about the affairs of the govt.
2) Foundation stone of healthy democracy
3) To promote openness, transparency &
accountability in administration
4) It supports right to freedom of speech &
expression
5) Fundamental right to impart & receive
information

5. OBJECTIVE OF RTI
 The act primarily envisages to set out a
practical regime of right to information to
citizens to secure access to information
under the control of public authorities in
order to promote transparency &
accountability in the working of every public
authority.

6. TO WHOM THE ACT IS
APPLICABLE
 Any body constituted by the constitution; or by any
law made by the parliament or state legislature; or by
notification issued by the appropriate government.
 It also includes any body owned, controlled or
substantially financed; or a non-government
organization substantially financed, directly or
indirectly by funds provided by appropriate
government.
 Thus, apart from offices directly under the central,
state or local government, information can be
sought from universities, Public sector companies,
statutory authorities.

7. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
 Application in writing
 PIO or Asst. PIO
 Specify the particulars of information
 Accompanied by an application fee

8. PROCEDURE OF OBTAINING
INFORMATION
 PIO shall deal with the request
 In case of info. regd function of another public
authority, PIO shall transfer within 5 days,
the request to other authority & inform the
applicant immediately
 Maximum 30 days
 DISPOSAL OF REQUEST
 PAYMENT OF FEES

9. USES OF RTI
1) To seek information regarding certain decisions
taken by the government or their working.
2) In case of suspicion of any corruption or
malpractices in the working of government or
government offices.
3) In case bribe is demanded for obtaining ration
card, water or electricity connection & if authorities
fail to register the complain.
4) Land reservation & its official remark.
5) A list of completed civil work in urban & rural
areas.

10. CONTD….
6) Top authorities seeking control on certain public
places at a small minimal amount.
7) Malpractices in admissions to schools, colleges &
reputed educational institutes can be checked.
8) Malpractices in ration shops.
9) Corruption involved in transfers in the police &
other government departments can be checked.
10) The progress of RTI complaint filed can be
obtained.
11) Construction work relating to road & building work
related information can be obtained.
12) Copies of government report can be obtained.