RIGHT TO I N FORMATION

IN SEARCH OF ANSWERS

The right to information is guaranteed by the Constitution, but the institutional framework
for delivering it has been weak. After numerous attempts at promoting transparency and
accountability in administration, the government enacted a law in 2005, the Right to
Information Act, or RTI.

A QUESTION OF RESPONSIBILITY

The RTI law empowers Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities as a
matter of right, making government and public functionaries more accountable and
responsible. It covers almost all matters of governance and is applicable to the
government at all levels Union, state and local and the recipients of government grants

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Under the law, public authorities have to designate a public information officer to help a
person who seeks information under the RTI Act. In the normal course, information
sought under RTI is to be supplied within 30 days from the receipt of the application

IN PLACE, BUT NOT QUITE

There are numerous instances of citizens using RTI to seek information on issues of
public interest and forcing the government to act, suggesting that the concept is catching
on. At least 2,63,261 applications were received in 2007-08 An independent study has
reported that 13% of the rural population and 33% of the urban population are aware of
the RTI Act, with 12% of women and 26% of men reporting this awareness The study
points out that more than 75% of citizens were dissatisfied with the quality of information
provided
EMPTY AT THE CORE

THE RTI ACT IS MAINLY being used by empowered groups such as civil organisations.
The lack of awareness and the absence of a strong institutional mechanism have kept it
out of reach for most people. To begin with, a centralised information system about
applications filed under the RTI and the number of appeals received is not yet in place.
Better monitoring of the scheme is required too. The government has woken up to the
lacunae in the system, though, and started a Centrallysponsored scheme called,
Strengthening, capacity building and awareness generation for effective implementation
of the RTI for 2009-10 . But if the law has to touch those who need it the most, a lot more
effort is needed.