RIGHT TO INFORMATION(2005)
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is a landmark law passed by the Indian Parliament to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration. The Act was passed by the Parliament on 15 June 2005 and came into full force on 12 October 2005. The Supreme Court has considered the Right to Information as a part of the fundamental right to 'freedom of expression' guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. [1, 2, 3]
Main features and provisions
Access to information: Any Indian citizen can request information from institutions under the Central and State Governments, local self-government bodies (Panchayat/Municipality) and NGOs receiving government assistance. [1, 2, 3]
Time limit: The request should be responded to within 30 days from the date of receipt. However, if the information sought affects the life or liberty of a person, it must be provided within 48 hours.[1, 2]
Information Officers: A Public Information Officer (PIO) is appointed in every government office to provide information. [1]
Exceptions (Exemptions): Information that is prejudicial to the sovereignty, security, relations with foreign countries, scientific or economic interests of the country is exempted from disclosure under sections 8 and 9 of the Act. [1, 2]
Manner of filing an application
Preparation of application: An application can be made to the Public Information Officer by writing or typing on a white paper requesting information. (The reason for the request for information does not need to be specified.) [1]
Fees: A fee of ₹10 is payable along with the application. Below Poverty Line (BPL) people are exempted from paying the fee. [1]
Online facility: Applications can also be made to central government departments through the RTI Online Portal.
Applications can be submitted online and paid through the Kerala RTI Portal to the Kerala State Government departments. [1, 2]
If you need further assistance in obtaining information from a particular government department or in understanding the application format, you can ask.
SECTION CLERK: ARDRA R, VERIFIER :HAMSA S , SPIO:KP RAMACHANDRAN