THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005

THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005: A BRIEF WHAT IS THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005? The Government of India has enacted “The Right to Information Act, 2005” to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of Public Authorities in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of any public authority. WHAT DOES RIGHT TO INFORMATION MEAN? Right to information means the right to information accessible under the Act which is held by or under the control of any Public Authority and includes the right to inspect the work, document, records, taking notes, extracts or certified copies of documents/records, certified samples of the materials and obtaining information which is also stored in electronic form. WHO CAN ASK FOR INFORMATION? Any citizen can request for information by making an application in writing or through electronic means in English/Hindi/Official language of the areas, in which the application is being made together with the prescribed fees. WHO WILL GIVE INFORMATION?Every public Authority will designate Central Assistant Public Information Officer (CAPIO) at various levels, and necessary number of Central Public Information Officers (CPIO) in all the offices who will arrange for providing necessary information to the public as permitted under the Act. The public authority is also required to designate such officer who is senior in rank to the CPIO as Appellate Authority, who will hear the appeal against the decisions/orders passed by a CPIO.