RTI or Right to Informatiom Act is a revolutionary act which became operational on 12th October 2005 in India. Revolutionary for Indian citizens, but Sweden notified it as early as 1766. Around 70-75 countries have RTI act, good to know that still India leads in the sub-continent even though the act became operational here in 2005!! Note that 9 states -- J & K, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam & Goa, already had there own state acts before 2005. The Central RTI Act extends to the whole of India except J&K which has its own state act.
Whats great about RTI -- RTI empowers every citizen to ask any questions from the Government or seek any information, take copies of any government documents, inspect any government documents, inspect any government works and take samples of materials of any government work. Could you imagine this happening in India!! Its a powerful tool in the hands of common man which can help bring in era of performance and efficieny, help weed out corruption. Earlier if you would have asked any information from any government officer, he would have simply thrown you out. But now he has to mandatorily provide the information, otherwise he can be fined for not providing the information.
Two examples here:
1. Imagine your file is stuck in some government department and you dont have any clue why is it so. Just file an RTI. The officer has to compulsarily answer why/where it is stuck
2. Imagine some sub-standard work being done by some contractor in your locality. File an RTI, inspect the work and even take the sample!!
RTI covers practically every government department. However, security agencies are out of it, but there also if there is some corruption charge or human rights violation, you can get information under RTI.
All private bodies, which are owned, controlled or substantially financed by the Government are directly covered. Others are indirectly covered. That is, if a government department can access information from any private body under any other Act, the same can be accessed by the citizen under the RTI Act through that government department.
More FAQs about RTI
Will expand this post soon about Obligations of government departments under RTI and How to File RTI
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