Daily Current Affairs : 4-September-2023

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2005, has been a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment. However, in recent years, concerns have arisen about the weakening of this vital legislation. This essay delves into the RTI Act’s significance, its amendments, achievements, issues, and the need for its reinforcement.

Understanding the RTI Act

The RTI Act, passed in 2005, is a potent tool that empowers Indian citizens to access information from public authorities. Its objectives include making the government more accountable and responsible, ensuring timely responses to citizen requests within 30 days, and establishing obligations for public authorities under Section 4 of the Act. The Supreme Court has affirmed it as a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution.

Exemptions and Amendments

Section 24 of the RTI Act excludes certain security and intelligence organizations from its purview. While these organizations are exempted, they must still disclose information related to allegations of corruption and human rights violations. In 2019, the Right to Information (Amendment) bill brought changes affecting the salaries and tenures of Information Commissioners at both the state and central levels.

Achievements of the RTI Act

Over the years, the RTI Act has played a pivotal role in providing citizens access to information not readily available in the public domain. It has empowered individuals to expose corruption and abuses of power. The Act’s online filing option, coupled with UPI payments, has made the process more accessible.

Issues and Concerns

Despite its successes, concerns have arisen regarding the Act’s effectiveness. The 2019 Amendment granted the Union Government unilateral power over the tenure and salaries of Information Commissioners, raising questions about their independence. Delayed appointments to the Information Commission have led to backlogs in appeals, eroding public confidence. Blanket bans on personal information disclosure have also sparked fears of evasion of accountability.

Supreme Court’s Role

The Supreme Court has intervened to ensure proper implementation of the RTI Act, emphasizing proactive disclosure of information by public authorities. This intervention seeks to restore the Act’s fundamental principles.

Important Points:

Understanding the RTI Act

  • Enacted in 2005, it empowers Indian citizens to access information from public authorities.
  • Aims to make the government more accountable, ensure timely responses within 30 days, and outline obligations for public authorities.
  • Recognized as a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution.

Exemptions and Amendments

  • Section 24 of the RTI Act excludes specific security and intelligence organizations but requires them to disclose information on corruption and human rights violations.
  • In 2019, the Right to Information (Amendment) bill impacted Information Commissioners’ salaries and tenures at state and central levels.

Achievements of the RTI Act

  • Facilitates access to information not readily available in the public domain.
  • Empowers individuals to expose corruption and abuses of power.
  • Introduction of online filing options, along with UPI payments, enhances accessibility.

Issues and Concerns

  • 2019 Amendment grants the Union Government unilateral power over Information Commissioners’ tenure and salaries, raising questions about independence.
  • Delayed appointments to the Information Commission lead to backlogs in appeals, eroding public confidence.
  • Fears of evasion of accountability through blanket bans on personal information disclosure.
  • Dissatisfaction among citizens with information received from public officials.

Supreme Court’s Role

  • The Supreme Court intervenes to ensure proper implementation of the RTI Act, emphasizing proactive disclosure of information by public authorities.
Why In News

Several activists have noted a gradual erosion of the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act over the years, citing increased bureaucratic hurdles and diminished transparency. They argue that these developments have compromised the act’s original intent of empowering citizens to access crucial government information, making it imperative to revisit and strengthen its provisions for a more robust democratic system.

MCQs about Challenges to India’s RTI Act

  1. Which section of the RTI Act deals with the obligations of public authorities?
    A. Section 19
    B. Section 24
    C. Section 30
    D. Section 4
    Correct Answer: D. Section 4
    Explanation: Section 4 of the RTI Act outlines the obligations of public authorities.
  2. What did the 2019 amendment to the RTI Act primarily impact?
    A. Proactive disclosure of information
    B. Salaries and tenures of Information Commissioners
    C. Exemptions for security organizations
    D. Online filing of RTI applications
    Correct Answer: B. Salaries and tenures of Information Commissioners
    Explanation: The 2019 amendment primarily impacted the salaries and tenures of Information Commissioners.
  3. What is the key role of the Supreme Court in relation to the RTI Act?
    A. Appointing Information Commissioners
    B. Deciding the constitutionality of the RTI Act
    C. Regulating the online filing of RTI applications
    D. Providing information directly to citizens
    Correct Answer: B. Deciding the constitutionality of the RTI Act
    Explanation: The Supreme Court’s role in relation to the RTI Act, as mentioned in the essay, includes ensuring proper implementation and emphasizing proactive disclosure of information by public authorities, but its primary role is to interpret and decide on the constitutionality of the Act.

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