RTI Simplified. Review on ______

these days everybody is talking about Right to Information, do you know what is it?

THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005

It is called the Act 22 of 2005. Passed by Lok Sabha on 11 May 2005 and by the Rajya Sabha 12 May 2005.The President gave assent to the bill on 15 June 2005 and it was implemented on 12 October 2005. It extends to whole of India except Jammu & Kashmir State.

What is the Right in RTI ?

Public has Constitutional Right to Every Information. They should get all non-classified information because the democracy functions in Public Interest.

RTI promotes transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority

What Information, you could get under the act?

Right to information accessible under this Act under the control of any public authority and includes the right to- inspection of work, documents, records, taking notes, extracts, or certified copies of documents or records, taking certified samples of material obtaining information in the form of diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode like printouts and in any other storage device.

Limitations under RTI

Subject to the provisions of the Act RTI does not include: Secret Information, against the sovereignty, interests and integrity of India, Against Nation’s relation with foreign State. Information forbidden by law, tribunal or court. Causing breach of privileges of Parliament or Legislature; harming third party, unless the competent authority is satisfied. Endanger the life or physical safety of any person

What RTI includes

Inspection of work, documents, records, files. It allows you to take notes, extracts, or certified copies of documents or records. Empowers you and taking certified samples of material and obtaining information in the form of storage media or as printouts (if information is stored in such device)

RTI procedure

Request in writing or through electronic means in English, Hindi or official language of the area. Application accompanied by prescribed fee to the concerning authority. Refusal of such requests will be communicated under signatures of the authorized person or concerning officer. No fee shall be charged from the persons below poverty line. Upon rejection of the request the responsible authority shall communicate the reasons for such rejection.

Appeal Against Rejection or Refusals

1- If no information or decision is given the first appeal to be made in writing within 30 days of depositing the fees and the second appeal within 90 days of the above.

2- Penalties: on refusal or imparting wrong information.

A- Rs. 250 per day fine on guilty authority not exceeding Rs. 25, 000 after giving a reasonable opportunity before penalizing.

B- Burden of proof upon the guilty authority to be penalized.