Name : Bhoomika P Waghmare

Class : TYBLS

Roll No : B-1

Subject : Drafting, Pleading &

Conveyancing I

Topic : Right to Information

RTI Application and the Object of the RTI Act, 2005

What is an RTI Application?

An RTI (Right to Information) application is a formal request submitted by a
citizen to obtain specific information from a government department, public
authority, or government-controlled organization under the provisions of the
Right to Information Act, 2005. This act empowers every Indian citizen to
seek transparency and accountability from public authorities by ensuring access
to records, reports, orders, circulars, and other official documents.
The RTI Act was enacted with the primary objective of strengthening
democracy by promoting transparency in governance and reducing corruption.
Citizens can file an RTI application when they require information about
government policies, budget expenditures, recruitment procedures, project
implementations, or any matter concerning public welfare.
The process of filing an RTI is simple and accessible to all citizens. Every
government department is required to have a Public Information Officer
(PIO) who is responsible for receiving and responding to RTI applications. The
law mandates that the requested information be provided within 30 days from
the date of application. In matters concerning life and liberty, the response must
be given within 48 hours. If the applicant is dissatisfied with the response or if
there is no response within the stipulated time, they have the right to appeal to
higher authorities, including the First Appellate Authority (FAA) and,
subsequently, the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State
Information Commission (SIC).
Features of the Right to Information Act, 2005
RTI Act serves as a cornerstone of transparency and accountability in the
system. This law gives each individual the ability to engage actively by
providing them with the privilege to obtain data that public bodies hold. What
specifically attributes to the strength of the RTI Act? Let’s explore its features:
1)Access to information through legal route:
The RTI Act provides all citizens with the entitlement to access information
which are held by government bodies with some exceptions and limitations
outlined in the law.
2)Wide coverage:
The law applies to every government department, ministry, public sector
enterprises, NGOs which have got substantial funding from government and
other entities established either by the Constitution or, through legislation. It
extends its reach to both state government organizations guaranteeing
information access nationwide. However, National intelligence and security
agencies of the government are excluded from the scope of this act.
3)Streamlined application process (physical and electronically):
Indian Citizens have the option to submit an RTI request either in written
application form or electronically detailing the information they are seeking
from the government agency. Along with the request application a small fee,
which differs based on the data requested must be paid.
4)Availability of time bound responses:
Government agencies must reply to RTI requests, within 30 days of receiving
them. If the information requested pertains to someone’s life or liberty, then the
response time is shortened to 48 hours. If you are not satisfied with the
response, then you have an option to file an appeal to the First Appeal Authority
(FAA).
How to File an RTI Application?
Filing an RTI application is a simple process that any Indian citizen can
undertake by following these steps:
1. Identify the Public Authority
Before drafting an RTI application, the applicant must determine which
government department or public authority is responsible for holding the
required information. The RTI Act applies to all government bodies, including
ministries, municipal corporations, public sector undertakings (PSUs),
government-funded institutions, and other public authorities at the central and
state levels.
2. Draft the RTI Application
The application should be written clearly and concisely, mentioning the
following details:
 Full name and address of the applicant.
 A specific description of the information sought.
  Name and address of the concerned public authority.
 Any additional reference details to facilitate easy retrieval of the
information.
The application can be written in English, Hindi, or the official language of the
state where the application is being filed.
3. Pay the Prescribed Fee
A nominal fee of ₹10 is required for filing an RTI application. The fee can be
paid in multiple ways, such as:
 Demand Draft (DD)
 Indian Postal Order (IPO)
 Cash (if submitting in person)
 Online payment (where applicable)
Certain categories of individuals, such as Below Poverty Line (BPL) applicants,
are exempted from paying the RTI fee, provided they submit valid proof of their
BPL status.
4. Submit the RTI Application
The application can be submitted in the following ways:
 Offline Submission: The RTI request can be sent via post to the Public
Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department or delivered in
person.
 Online Submission: Several government departments allow RTI
applications to be submitted through the official RTI portal
(https://rtionline.gov.in).
5. Await the Response
As per the RTI Act, the public authority must provide a response within:
 30 days for general queries.
 48 hours if the information concerns life and liberty.
 35 days if the application is transferred to another department.
If the applicant does not receive a response within the given time frame or is
dissatisfied with the provided information, they can file an appeal with the
First Appellate Authority (FAA) and later approach the Central or State
Information Commission if necessary.
Object of the RTI Act, 2005
The Right to Information Act, 2005, was introduced with the primary
objective of ensuring transparency, accountability, and participatory
governance by granting citizens the right to access government information.
The act plays a crucial role in promoting good governance, reducing
corruption, and empowering citizens with the knowledge required to hold
authorities accountable.
1. Promoting Transparency and Accountability
One of the fundamental objectives of the RTI Act is to enhance transparency
in government operations. By allowing citizens to access public records and
government documents, the Act ensures that decisions taken by government
authorities are open to scrutiny. This reduces secrecy in administration and
makes government officials more accountable for their actions.
2. Empowering Citizens
The RTI Act strengthens the role of citizens in a democratic setup by giving
them the right to question government decisions. Citizens can use RTI
applications to seek explanations for delays in government projects,
discrepancies in public fund utilization, and inefficiencies in administrative
processes. This empowerment fosters a culture of participatory governance
where people play an active role in shaping policies.
3. Reducing Corruption and Misuse of Power
Corruption in public offices is a major concern in India. The RTI Act serves as a
powerful tool to combat corruption by making government documents
accessible to the public. When officials know that their actions are being
monitored, they are less likely to engage in corrupt practices. Citizens can
demand records of government tenders, contracts, and audits to ensure
transparency in financial transactions.
4. Enhancing Participation in Democracy
Democracy thrives on informed participation. The RTI Act facilitates a well-
informed society where people are aware of government policies, budget
allocations, and welfare programs. It enables citizens to actively engage in
policy-making processes and advocate for changes based on factual
information.
5. Ensuring Good Governance
The RTI Act is a cornerstone of good governance, which is based on principles
of openness, efficiency, and accountability. By ensuring easy access to
government records, the Act helps in:
 Preventing bureaucratic delays in decision-making.
 Ensuring effective implementation of welfare schemes.
 Building public trust in government institutions.
6. Strengthening Fundamental Rights
The Right to Information is an extension of Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian
Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Freedom of Speech and
Expression. A well-informed society is essential for a functioning democracy,
and access to information ensures that citizens can express their opinions based
on facts rather than assumptions.
7. Facilitating Government Accountability in Public Welfare
The government undertakes several welfare schemes aimed at social
development. However, the misuse of public funds and delays in project
execution often prevent beneficiaries from receiving their rightful dues. The RTI
Act enables citizens to:
 Track the allocation and expenditure of funds under government schemes.
 Demand transparency in the selection of beneficiaries.
 Expose irregularities in welfare program implementation.
Conclusion
The Right to Information Act, 2005, is a revolutionary piece of legislation that
strengthens democracy by promoting transparency, accountability, and
citizen empowerment. Through the RTI application process, individuals can
demand explanations for government actions, seek clarification on policies, and
report instances of corruption.
By fostering good governance, reducing corruption, and ensuring public
participation, the RTI Act has transformed India’s administrative system,
making it more open, responsive, and responsible. The effective use of RTI
applications not only safeguards the rights of citizens but also reinforces the
core principles of democracy, ensuring that the government truly remains by the
people, for the people, and of the people.