Right to Information Act, 2005 – Introduction
The implementation of the Right to Information Act – 2005 (RTI Act) has brought greater control over government and semi-government organizations. This Act allows the general public to access information regarding how government work is carried out, how various public welfare schemes are implemented, and the different levels and processes involved. As government functioning becomes more transparent, public doubts and suspicions are reduced. Additionally, delays in paperwork and corruption are also naturally curbed.
This right includes the following:
Inspection of work, documents, and records.
Obtaining certified copies of documents or records, as well as taking notes.
Obtaining certified samples of materials.
Receiving information in the form of printouts, CDs, floppies, tapes, video recordings, or other electronic formats.
What type of information can be obtained under this Act?
Right to Information means any information held by or under the control of any government, semi-government, or government-aided office that can be obtained as per this law. Every citizen has the fundamental right to know such necessary information and receive documents related to it. This right was granted to all citizens in 2005.
Using this right, one can obtain information about ongoing work in the local area. For example:
Office name, address, phone number, working hours
Names of Public Information Officers
Office procedures and objectives
Information available in the office
Sample application forms
Names of staff and other personnel
Available funds
List of beneficiaries
Information about government schemes
Expenses incurred on schemes or beneficiaries
Circulars and available publications with their prices
Employee salaries
Budget estimates
Who is a Public Information Officer (PIO)?
These officers are appointed in all administrative departments/offices by public authorities. They are responsible for providing the requested information to citizens. If they take assistance from someone else in doing so, that person is also considered a PIO.
From whom can information not be obtained?
Information cannot be obtained from:
Sensitive areas related to national security
Personal information, private companies, non-aided institutions, private electricity providers, etc.
Also, information that may:
Harm India’s sovereignty and integrity, security, scientific or economic interests, or foreign relations
Encourage a crime
Be prohibited by a court or could amount to contempt of court
Infringe on parliamentary or legislative privileges
Include commercial confidentiality, trade secrets, or intellectual property, which could affect a third party’s competitive position (unless the third party has no objection)
Be obtained through a fiduciary relationship (unless disclosure is allowed by the concerned party)
Be received from a foreign government
Endanger someone’s life or safety
Reveal the identity of informants aiding law enforcement
Hinder investigation or legal proceedings
Include cabinet papers, internal discussions between ministers, secretaries, and other officials
Contain personal information irrelevant to public interest or may violate someone’s privacy
However, if the public interest outweighs the harm to the concerned individual or party, such information may be disclosed.
How to file an RTI application?
Submit a written or electronic application to the PIO in English, Hindi, or the official language of the state, detailing the information you seek.
Providing reasons for requesting the information is not mandatory.
Pay the prescribed fee.
Are there any charges to obtain information?
Yes, there are charges as follows:
Photocopies of documents: ₹2 per page
CD or Floppy: ₹50 each
Inspecting documents: Free for the first hour, ₹5 per additional hour
By post: Postal charges must be paid
For BPL (Below Poverty Line) applicants: No charges
Applicants may appeal to the appropriate committee for fee reassessment. If the PIO fails to provide the information within the prescribed time, it must be given free of cost.
How to appeal?
If the information is incomplete, incorrect, misleading, or denied, the applicant can appeal to the Appellate Authority within 30 days. The Appellate Authority is a more experienced official than the PIO and must act impartially using their authority and knowledge.
Submit the appeal on paper with a ₹20 court fee stamp.
Include name, address, PIO details, what information was not provided, and a clear statement of the grievance.
Sign the appeal and obtain an acknowledgment of submission.
Information should be provided within 45 days from the date of appeal submission.
Second Appeal:
If the applicant is not satisfied even after the first appeal, they can file a second appeal with the State Information Commission within 90 days.
Again, submit on paper with a ₹20 court fee stamp
Mention name, address, PIO details, and what information was not received
Explain the nature of the complaint or appeal
Sign and submit the application, and obtain acknowledgment
Department-wise Information under RTI Act
Under Section 4(1)(b) of the Central RTI Act – 2005, each department must publish information on 17 specific areas. Accordingly, this booklet provides detailed information about the various departments of Zilla Parishad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. This enhances transparency, openness, and accountability in the functioning of the Zilla Parishad. In a democratic setup, this ensures effective public participation. Citizens should use this information wisely, as it is intended to serve as a helpful guide.
Sample Forms for RTI Applications:
Form A – For seeking information
Form B – Format for requesting information