Proper implementation of RTI Act
The relevant
entities of the
government including the Information Commission ought to take effective steps so that the RTI Act is properly implemented
The International Right to Know Day 2016 was observed yesterday. Though there is a Right to Information Act 2009 in the country so that people get necessary information as and when required, the reality is they are often not getting the required information and rather surprisingly the number of applications seeking information is dwindling day by day. This was, however, not expected when the RTI law was passed in 2009. It was thought that the law would ensure greater freedom of expression in the society strengthening democracy.
Contrary to expectations, the number of applications asking for information is actually falling. According to reports, in the year 2010 the number of applications seeking information submitted to the relevant departments or offices was 25,410; in 2013 the number was 11,727 and the number has come down to mere 6,181 in 2015.
According to law, a department or an office is legally bound to provide information to the seeker within 20 working days after submission of the application and since people are not getting information within that time, the number of submissions for seeking information is gradually decreasing. This means that as the Right to Information Act is not being properly implemented.
Now the relevant entities of the government including the Information Commission ought to take effective steps so that the RTI Act is properly implemented. First and foremost, bureaucratic bottlenecks on the way of getting information have to be removed. The government must ensure that an applicant gets his information within 20 days as mentioned in the law. If after going through necessary procedures he or she gets the required information after three months, for example, and the information does not come to their help, then for the applicant all the exercises become futile.
There is also a complaint that often partial or incomplete information is provided to a seeker. This also has to be addressed. It is also alleged that there are some laws that hinder free flow of information to people that is ensured by the Right to Information Act.
