HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 19: Model Answer

Question: The Right to Information Act is a path-breaking legislation which signals the march from darkness of secrecy to dawn of transparency. What is the significance of the act. Elaborate. (8 marks, 120 words)

Answer: 

Introduction:

• James Madison once said, “A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with power that knowledge gives”.
• Knowledge is based on the information which lies in the public domain.
• Openness in the exercise of public power – Executive, Legislative or Judiciary – is a culture, which needs to be nurtured, with privacy and confidentiality being an exception
• The Right to Information Act is a legislation that lights up the mindset of public authorities, which is clouded by suspicion and secrecy.
• The right to information is a powerful means for fighting corruption.
• The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help promote functioning of a more participatory democracy.

BODY

Objectives of the Act

• To empower the citizens
• To promote transparency and accountability
• To contain corruption and
• To enhance people’s participation in democratic process

“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.

“Public authority” means any authority or body or institution of self government established or constituted— by or under the Constitution; by any other law made by Parliament/State Legislature. by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government

Conclusion:

RTI should be viewed by all the stakeholders, particularly the civil servants, in a positive spirit; not as a draconian law for paralyzing Government, but as an instrument for improving Government citizen interface resulting in a friendly, caring and effective Government functioning for the good of the people.