On October 12, 2015, the right to information legislation came into force. It was a significant step in holding the government responsible and transparent in its operations. It provides safe access to information under the control of public bodies in order to promote accountability and transparency. The Kisan Shakti Sangathan, an organisation for the development of rural, impoverished, and landless labourers, was India’s earliest and most well-known RTI campaign.
It began its right to information work in Rajasthan in the 1990s, requesting access to government information about employees’ pay, which was frequently refused. The Sangathan’s fight sparked a countrywide call for a law that ensures that every person has access to information. It gained traction as a result of the backing of attorneys, the media, and social activists who were devoted to the empowerment of the people.
The national movement for people’s access to information began in 1996, and many states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, and others, passed right to information legislations. The national Right to Information Act was only enacted in 2005 by the Parliament.
Transparency and accountability of public authority in terms of administration were among the goals of this statute. It gave a mechanism to gain access to information that was still under the jurisdiction of the government. The people were given the power to hold those who represent them accountable. It also encouraged public engagement and improved trust between the people and the government. It would have allowed for more efficient management and maintenance of the documents.
The right to information covers the entire country and allows individuals to request any information from the national, state, or municipal governments. It applies to all public authorities and lays out the procedures for granting access to information. According on the type of the information sought, a small charge must be paid.
Certain types of information have been exempted, such as information relating to foreign relations, information pertaining to the state’s security, and intelligence agency resources.
There have been a number of legal challenges to the statute. There has been a rise in the number of incidents where information obtained has been misused. Corrupt officers strive to avoid the procedure and jeopardise the provision’s efficacy. Attacks against RTI activists have not been addressed in a proper manner.
It is necessary to monitor the actions of authorities that jeopardise the accountability owed to the Indian people. Those who try to exploit their position of power to distort facts, as well as government officials who assist them, should face harsh penalties. The people of India are the source of power, and those who wield it must understand the responsibility that comes with it. The Right to Information Act is an excellent piece of legislation that strengthens democracy’s basis.
Aishwarya Says:
I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.
If you are interested in participating in the same, do let me know.
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We also have a Facebook Group Restarter Moms for Mothers or Women who would like to rejoin their careers post a career break or women who are enterpreneurs.
We are also running a series Inspirational Women from January 2021 to March 31,2021, featuring around 1000 stories about Indian Women, who changed the world. #choosetochallenge