ABOUT THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ACT
The Right to Information Act, 2005 empowers Indian citizens to request timely and transparent access to information held by public authorities. It promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment in the democratic process.
The RTI Act was enacted by the Government of India and is implemented through the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Through the RTI portal, citizens can access:
- Details of Public Information Officers (PIOs)
- First Appellate Authorities (FAAs)
- Disclosures and reports published by various Central and State Government departments
The RTI Act is a cornerstone of good governance and an effective tool for combating corruption.
NCIB RTI ACTIVISTS CELL — AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The RTI Activists Cell of the National Crime Investigation Bureau has been established to unify, support, and protect individuals actively using the RTI Act for the public good. It serves as a nodal platform for RTI-related activities across India.
Our Core Objectives:
- To promote the use of the Right to Information Act for greater transparency and accountability in public institutions.
- To bring RTI activists together under a common forum for coordination and mutual support.
- To act as a nodal body for all RTI-related activities, initiatives, and support services.
- To provide training to new and existing RTI activists to build legal and procedural awareness.
- To offer guidance and technical assistance in filing RTIs, appeals, and legal representations.
- To recognize and reward outstanding RTI activists for their contributions to transparency and public welfare.
- To raise awareness about the RTI Act among the general public, especially in rural and under-informed areas.
- To publish reports, articles, and educational material related to RTI rights and case studies.
- To advocate for improvements and stronger legal protections within the RTI framework.
- To help make RTI a mass movement, encouraging active civic participation in governance.
- To organize seminars, workshops, public meetings, and awareness campaigns for spreading knowledge and engagement.
SUMMARY OF THE RTI ACT, 2005
The Right to Information Act, 2005 was enacted to establish a legal framework that enables citizens to access information held by public authorities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability, preventing corruption, and empowering citizens to hold government bodies responsible for their actions.
Key Provisions of the Act Include:
- Formation of the Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions.
- Designation of Public Information Officers (PIOs) in every government department.
- Mandatory response to RTI requests within 30 days.
- Provision for appeals and penalties in case of delayed or false information.
PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE
The Act is rooted in the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of India, particularly in ensuring that citizens remain informed about government functioning, corruption is curtailed through open access to public records, and public authorities are held accountable for their actions and decisions.
The Act also acknowledges that while access to information is crucial, it must be balanced with other public interests such as national security, efficient government operations, and privacy and confidentiality in sensitive matters. Hence, the RTI Act provides exemptions where disclosure could compromise larger public interests — but such exemptions are narrow, and transparency remains the core principle.