Bringing Information to the Citizens:
Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information. It is an initiative taken by Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions to provide a– RTI Portal Gateway to the citizens for quick search of information on the details of first Appellate Authorities, PIOs etc. amongst others, besides access to RTI related information / disclosures published on the web by various Public Authorities under the government of India as well as the State Governments.
Objective of the Right to Information Act :
The basic object of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens,promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government,contain corruption, and make our democracy work for the people in real sense.It goes without saying that an informed citizen is better equipped to keep necessary vigil on the instruments of governance and make the government more accountable to the governed.The Act is a big step towards making the citizens informed about the activities of the Government.
Who is covered?
The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. [S.(12)]
What does information mean?
Information means any material in any form including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force but does not include “file notings” [S.2(f)].
What does Right to Information mean?
It includes the right to –
– inspect works, documents, records.
– take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records.
– take certified samples of material.
– obtain information in form of printouts, CD, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through printouts.[S.2(j)]
Following websites and documents may be useful for citizen :
Uttar Pradesh State Information Commission
Central Information Commission
For further information please also visit http://rti.gov.in