RTI Act?
VerifiedAnswer: 2005
Explanation:
The Right to Information (RTI) Act was passed in 2005 by the Indian Parliament. This landmark legislation came into effect on October 12, 2005, marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards transparency and accountability in governance.
The RTI Act 2005 empowers every citizen of India to seek information from public authorities. This means that any Indian citizen can request details about government decisions, policies, expenditures, and various administrative matters. The act was designed to promote transparency in the working of every public authority and to ensure that citizens have access to information that affects their lives.
The journey to this historic legislation began much earlier. The foundation was laid by various state-level Right to Information laws, particularly in Rajasthan, which demonstrated the power of information access in fighting corruption and improving governance. The central government recognized the need for a comprehensive national law, leading to the passage of the RTI Act 2005.
Key features of the RTI Act 2005 include:
• Citizens can file RTI applications to any public authority • Information must be provided within 30 days of application • A nominal fee is charged for processing applications • Public Information Officers (PIOs) are appointed to handle RTI requests • Information Commissions are established at central and state levels to hear appeals
The RTI Act 2005 has been instrumental in bringing about greater transparency in government functioning. It has helped citizens uncover corruption, track government spending, and hold public officials accountable for their actions. Students preparing for competitive exams should remember that this act represents India's commitment to democratic values and transparent governance, making 2005 a crucial year in the country's administrative and legal history.
