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Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government
information. It is an initiative taken by Department of Personnel and Training,
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions to provide a- RTI Portal Gateway
to the citizens for quick search of information on the details of first Appellate
Authorities,PIOs etc. amongst others, besides access to RTI related information
/ disclosures published on the web by various Public Authorities under the government
of India as well as the State Governments. Some provisions have come into force
with immediate effect viz. obligations of public authorities [S.4(1)], designation
of Public Information Officers and Assistant Public Information Officers[S.5(1)
and 5(2)], constitution of Central Information Commission (S.12 and 13), constitution
of State Information Commission (S.15 and 16), non-applicability of the Act to Intelligence
and Security Organizations (S.24) and power to make rules to carry out the provisions
of the Act (S.27 and 28).
The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of the State of Jammu and
Kashmir . [S.(12)]
Meaning Right to Information includes the right to :-
1. inspect works, documents, records
2. take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records.
3. take certified samples of material.
4. obtain information in form of printouts, diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes
or in any other electronic mode or through printouts.[S.2(j)]
Public Information Officers
Public Information Officers (PIOs) are officers designated by the public authorities
in all administrative units or offices under it to provide information to the citizens
requesting for information under the Act. Any officer, whose assistance has been
sought by the PIO for the proper discharge of his or her duties, shall render all
assistance and for the purpose of contraventions of the provisions of this Act,
such other officer shall be treated as a PIO.
Role of Government
1.Develop educational programmes for the public especially disadvantaged communities
on RTI.
2. Encourage Public Authorities to participate in the development and organization
of such programmes.
3. Promote timely dissemination of accurate information to the public.
4. Train officers and develop training materials.
5. Compile and disseminate a User Guide for the public in the respective official
language.
6. Publish names, designation postal addresses and contact details of PIOs and other
information such as notices regarding fees to be paid, remedies available in law
if request is rejected.
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