Be Mains Ready

Approach

• Explain the link between ‘RTI’ and goals of democracy like accountability ,transparency, openness, check on arbitrariness, participation, etc.
• Describe the challenges in the implementation of RTI.
• Conclude by providing way forward.

Introduction

• Right to Information mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information. It has made access to information both a citizens’ right and at the same time the government’s duty.

Body

‘Right to Information’ and goals of democracy

• Accountability: RTI promotes accountability of government by promoting a transparent and open government.
• People participation: RTI is a powerful tool that strengthens democracy and promotes good governance by enhancing the citizen’s ability to participate in the process of governance.
• Reduces corruption: RTI reduces corruption and arbitrary administrative actions.
• Responsive: Responsive governance is hallmark of democracy and ‘RTI’ promotes responsive governance.
• Citizen empowerment: RTI empowers the citizen by giving him legal right to hold public authorities accountable for their work.

Impediments in the implementation of RTI

• Low public awareness: In general there is low awareness about the ‘RTI’; further the awareness level is low among the disadvantaged communities such as women/sc/st/rural population etc.
• Constraints faced in filing applications like Non-availability of User Guides for RTI implementation for information seekers,
• Inconvenient submission channels for RTI application e.g. inadequate efforts have been made to receive RTI applications through electronic means i.e., on email/ website etc.
• Inconvenient payment channels for submission of application fees: Majority of PIOs use cash and demand drafts, which causes inconvenience to citizens.
• Non-friendly attitude of the PIOs: The attitude of civil services towards ‘RTI’ is still not positive. This bureaucratic resistance discourages information seeker.
• Poor quality of information provided: It is observed that incomplete and inaccurate information provided by the PIOs to curtail the statutory rights under ‘RTI’.
• Constraints faced in inspection of records: PIO discourage physical inspection of records even when it is allowed by RTI act.
• Inadequate trained PIOs and First Appellate Authorities
• Failure to provide information within the stipulated time of 30 days.
• Pendency of RTI applications: There is huge number of pending RTI application. The total number of pending RTI requests in 2016-17 was 11,29,457.
• Violence against information seeker: There have been instances of attack and assault on information seekers.

Way forward

• Engagement of civil society organizations like NGOs in building awareness.
• Promoting a culture of transparency through training among civil servants.
• Promotion of greater voluntary disclosure of information held with public Authorities.
• The person demanding information under the RTI should be emboldened and secure. Police authorities in States have to be sensitive to this and take effective steps to prevent the occurrence of such incidents.