rti basics

“To believe in something,and not to live it, is dishonest”

- Mahatma Gandhi

THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005

ByElectionReddy2nd Oct. 2011

Agenda

• What is information?• Why do we need RTI?• What can be done using RTI?• Information Commission Structure• How to apply RTI?• Time Limits• What will you do with the Information?• Success Stories• Sample RTI• Success Stories

What is information ?

RTI, 2(f) says

"information" means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force

Why do we need RTI ?

RTI ≈ Fundamental Right

RTI ≈ Fundamental Right

RTI ≈ Fundamental Right

RTI ≈ Fundamental Right

RTI Act provides the mechanism to exercise the Right to Information

What Can Be Done ?

RTI Empowers Every Citizen To

• Ask for any information• Take copies of any government documents• Inspect any government documents• Inspect any Government works• Take samples of materials of any Government

work

Types of Information

• Disclosed Mandatorily (Sec. 4.1)• Given on Request• Non-Disclosable (Sec. 8 and 9)

Who All Are Covered ?

RTI Covers -- 2(h)

• All Public Authorities• NGOs which are substantially financed by Govt.

Information Commission Structure

Central Information Commission

• Chief Information Commissioner• Upto 10 Information Commissioners

Selection Committee• Prime Minister• Leader of Opposition• Cabinet Minister nominated by PM

State Information Commission

• State Chief Information Commissioner• Upto 10 State Information Commissioners

Selection Committee• Chief Minister• Leader of Opposition• Cabinet Minister nominated by CM

Every Public Authority should designate

• Public Information Officer(s)• Assistant Public Information Officer(s)• Appellate Authority

How to Apply RTI ?

Procedure

• No specific format• Medium: English/Hindi/Local Language• Addressed To

• Fee• Mode of Payment(Cash, DD, IPO, CourtFeeStamp)

The Public Information Officer(Under Right To Information Act - 2005),O/o Department Address

Steps

PIO RTI Application

Steps

Appellate Authority

PIO RTI Application

1st Appeal

Steps

CIC/SIC

Appellate Authority

PIO RTI Application

1st Appeal

2nd Appeal

Time Limits

Time Limits

30 60 90 120 1801500

RT

I A

pply

Time Limits

30 60 90 120 1801500

RT

I A

pply

RTI Reply

Time Limits

30 60 90 120

1st Appeal

1801500

RT

I A

pply

RTI Reply

Time Limits

30 60 90 120

1st Appeal

1801500

RT

I A

pply

RTI Reply 1st Appeal Response

Time Limits

30 60 90 120

1st Appeal 2nd Appeal

1801500

RT

I A

pply

RTI Reply 1st Appeal Response

Time Limits

30 60 90 120

1st Appeal 2nd Appeal

1801500

RT

I A

pply

RTI Reply 1st Appeal Response 2nd AppealHearing

What will you do with the Information ?

What to do with the Information?

• To expedite pending issues• To release it to the media• To present it in a court of law• To expose corruption

Success Stories

• Section 4.1.b• Fee Reimbursements• Exam Answersheets• Convocation Certificate• Gas Delivery• Passport

Sample RTI

References

• http://www.rtiindia.org• http://rti.aidindia.org/• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQbigp_SHe

E• http://rti.gov.in/