Right To Information (RTI) Act 2005

The RTI Act came into force with effect from October 2005.
RTI is an act of the parliament of India which sets out the principles and techniques in regards to citizens’ right to information.
It supplanted the previous Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
Ministry – Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Objective – 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 protects the fundamental rights to Freedom of Expression and Speech under Article 19(1)(a) and Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 guaranteed by the Constitution.

Security agencies like the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Enforcement, Nand ational Technical Research Organisation.
Strategic Forces Command.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Border Roads Development Board.
Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT – In).

Term of Office
- RTI Act, 2005
  - At the central and state level, the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) were eligible to hold office for five years or up to 65 years of age.
- RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019
  - The amendment grants the central government the authority to notify the term of office for the CIC and ICs.
Amount of Salary
- RTI Act, 2005
  - At the central level, the salary of the CIC and ICs was equivalent to that of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, respectively.
  - At the state level, the CIC and ICs received salaries equal to the State Election Commissioners and Chief Secretary, respectively.
- RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019
  - The amendment grants the central government the power to determine salaries, allowances, and other terms and conditions of service for the CICs and ICs at both central and state levels.
Reductions in Salary
- RTI Act, 2005
  - If the CIC and ICs were receiving a pension or any other superannuation benefits for previous government service, their salary was reduced by an amount equal to the pension.
- RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019
  - This provision was removed.