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Government Of Assam Higher Education DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Home ❯ Right To Information (RTI)

Right To Information (RTI)

  • The Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005 is a landmark piece of legislation in India that empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities. This act promotes transparency and accountability in governance by ensuring that citizens have the right to know how public institutions function and how decisions are made.

    Key features of the RTI Act:

    • Scope: The act applies to all constitutional authorities, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary, as well as any institution or body established or constituted by an act of Parliament or a state legislature. It also covers bodies owned, controlled, or substantially financed by the government.
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    • Information accessible: Citizens can request information on a wide range of matters, including government policies, decisions, and actions; the functioning of public authorities; and the allocation and utilization of public funds.
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    • Procedure: To obtain information, citizens must file an application with the designated Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned public authority. The PIO is required to provide the information within 30 days of receiving the application.
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    • Appeals: If the PIO refuses to provide information or provides an unsatisfactory response, citizens can file an appeal with the First Appellate Authority, usually a senior officer in the same public authority. Further appeals can be made to the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission.
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    • Exemptions: The RTI Act recognizes certain exemptions to the right to information, such as information that affects national security, relations with foreign countries, or public order. However, these exemptions are subject to strict conditions and must be justified by the public authority.

    Significance of the RTI Act:

    • Empowers citizens: The RTI Act empowers citizens to hold public authorities accountable for their actions and to participate more meaningfully in the democratic process.
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    • Promotes transparency and accountability: By providing access to information, the RTI Act promotes transparency and accountability in government operations and helps to combat corruption.
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    • Improves governance: The RTI Act has led to significant improvements in the delivery of public services and has helped to make government more responsive to the needs of citizens.
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    • Strengthens democracy: The RTI Act is a crucial tool for strengthening democracy in India by ensuring that citizens have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.
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    Challenges and limitations:

    • Misuse of the Act: In some cases, the RTI Act has been misused for frivolous or vexatious purposes, which can overburden public authorities and hinder their work.
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    • Exemptions and limitations: The exemptions and limitations in the RTI Act can sometimes be used to deny citizens access to important information.
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    Overall, the RTI Act is a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. While challenges remain, the act has had a significant impact on Indian society and continues to play a vital role in strengthening democracy.

    Contact for filling RTI: Mr. Ankush Borgohain, TPO (i/c),  Directorate of Technical Education, Assam.