Why in the news?
- As the Right To Information (RTI) Act completes 20 years on October 12, 2025.
Right to Information (RTI) Act
- 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.
- Significance of Act:
- 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.
- Exceptions Under Second Schedule of Act:
- Security agency like Intelligence Bureau , Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Enforcement, National Technical Research Organisation.
- Strategic Forces Command.
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Border Roads Development Board.
- Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT – In).
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Difference between RTI Act, 2005 and RTI Amendment Act, 2019 |
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Term |
RTI Act, 2005 |
RTI Amendment Act, 2019 |
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Tenure |
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) will have a tenure of five years. |
The Centre will notify the tenure of all Information Commissioners (ICs) at the state and central level. |
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Quantum of Salary |
CIC’s pay was equivalent to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC); Central ICs to Election Commissioners; and State CICs and ICs to Chief Secretary. |
Salaries and allowances of these officers will be determined by the Central Government. |
| Deductions in Salary |
If such officials are receiving pension or other retirement benefits, their salaries will be reduced by an amount equal to the pension. |
These provisions have been removed. |