To secure access to information for citizens under the control of public authorities, the government introduced the  Right to Information Act, 2005.

Why was it introduced?

• It will ensure greater transparency for the functioning of the government. The common man can get to know what the government does and seek information from the authorities without fear. It will convert the working of the government from a culture of secrecy into a culture of openness and transparency.

Key Provisions

• Any citizen can request information by making an application in writing or through electronic means.
• Every public Authority will designate a Central Assistant Public Information Officer (CAPIO) at various levels, and a necessary number of Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) in all the offices who will arrange for providing necessary information to the public as permitted under the Act.
• As per sections 8 & 9 of the Act 2005, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure to the citizens.
• The act calls for the constitution of a Central Information Commission and a State Information Commission.
• The information seeker has to pay a fee of Rs. 10 for an RTI application. A BPL category person is not required to pay any fees.

Source: The Hindu