SALIENT FEATURES

The Right to Information Act 2005 has been passed by the Parliament and has come in force. A very important right has been conferred upon every citizen of India under this Act. This guide has been prepared to give an overall idea about the nature of the Act, how it will help the citizens and the institutional mechanism for its implementation.

            ?In keeping with the commitment made by the Congress Party the right to Information Act is a historic legislation passed on 15^th June 2005. Earlier, there was a weak Freedom of Information Act. Now, in keeping with our belief that information is an entitlement, we have a strong Right to Information Act whose theme is greater disclosures. It will bring about transparency and accountability in public administration at all levels in significant measure. Citizens in villages, towns and cities have been empowered to demand and actually get information on policies, programmes and projects that affect their day-to-day lives. This enforcement of this Act is one of the most important means by which another equally historic legislation passed by Parliament last month The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act will be subject to continuous social audit and be under constant public scrutiny for effective implementation. As an example, muster rolls and the list of public works would, for the first time, be publicly available. Social action groups, NGOs and civil society organizations can use the provisions of the Right to Information Act on behalf of the poor and weaker sections of society so as to make sure that the various rural development and social welfare schemes deliver benefits to the people as intended.?

- SONIA GANDHI

Excerpts from the address in Lok Sabha by the Prime Minister

Dr. Manmohan Singh on May 10^th 2005.

In the modern world, we are dealing with very complex societies, and these complex societies require extensive interference of Governments in day-to-day activities. In our won country total Government expenditure ? Centre, States and Local Bodies combined ? accounts for nearly 33 per cent of our gross national product. In addition, because of various compulsions of the situation, Governments have to interfere by way of regulatory bodies in the normal processes of how an economy functions.

Now, it is, therefore, of utmost importance that when Governments account for such a large proportion of total national expenditure, when Governments interfere extensively with the way ordinary citizens of the country go by doing their business, these powers should be exercised with utmost caution and utmost concern for public welfare in the widest sense of the term.

Civilised Governments everywhere have been searching for ways and means to deal with problems of corruption, problems of ineffectiveness of Governments at various levels. We have the judiciary; we have the representative institutions of parliamentary system of Government to check both corruption and to ensure that monies that are voted for truly subserve the public purpose. But, it has been found that it is not enough that Governments should go to the people once in five years.

It is necessary to find other means of empowering out citizens to feel that processes of governance truly serve the public purpose. The right to information is a quest for that sort of mechanism, which will empower our citizens with information, which enables them to judge for themselves whether or not Governments are functioning in accordance with what can be considered as ?public interest? in the widest possible sense of the term. It goes without saying that all information can be misused also. Therefore, much will depend upon how information seekers approach their tasks. I do recognize the dangers that are inherent in such a situation because in our society information is power. But one way of ensuring that this power is as widely distributed as possible is to ensure that access to information is not a monopoly of the few

The Bill lays down an architecture for accessing information which is simple, easy, time-bound and, in may view, inexpensive. It has stringent penalties for failing to provide information or affecting information flow in any way. In fact, it imposes obligation on agencies to disclose information, suo moto, thus reducing the cost.

We all know that in development there are linkages. We all know that the benefit meant for the poorer sections of the people do not reach them. We all know that the public funds meant for serving the causes of the poor and the downtrodden are, in fact, eaten up by more influential sets of people. The right to Information will, I hope, give our public-spirited people another instrument through which they will be able to prevent this patent misuse of public fund or public patronage. I, therefore, feel that this Bill is a historic Bill. What it seeks to do is to strengthen the foundations of our democracy. It seeks to promote the cause of a transparent humane administration. It seeks to make our administration more accountable than ever before.

Therefore, I feel, with the passage of this Bill, we see the dawn of a new era in governance processes ? an era of performance of efficiency, an era which will ensure that benefits of growth flow to all sections of society, an era which will eliminate the scourge of corruption, an era which will bring the common man?s concerns to the heart of all the process of governance, an era which will truly fulfill the hopes of the founding fathers of our Republic.

Great responsibility will rest on the shoulders of those who seek information, and also those who will administer this Act. I do hope that we have, in this country, men and women who know how to draw a right balance. We need a strong and purposeful Government. We need Government processes, which rise to the challenges of our time, which would enable us to ensure that this country moves forward to realize its chosen destiny. At the same time, I am also convinced that the future of this country is to strengthen the foundations of democracy. And, this Bill is an important step forward in promoting a culture of transparency, a culture of accountability, and to ensure that Governments do work to promote the public good in the widest possible sense of the term. That was the ambition of the founding fathers of our republic.

About Right To Information:

Question    :    When does it come into force?

Answer      :    It comes into force on the 12^th October, 2005 (120^th day of its enactment on 15^th June, 2005). Some provisions have come into force with immediate effect viz. obligations of public authorities [S.4(1)], designation of Public Information Officers and Assistant Public Information Officers [S.5(1) and 5(2)], constitution of Central Information Commission (S.12 and 13), constitution of State Information Commission (S.15 and 16), non-applicability of the Act to Intelligence and Security Organizations (S.24) and power to make rules to carry out the provisions of the Act (S.27 and 28).

Question    :    Who is covered?

Answer      :    The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. [S.(12)]

Question    :    What does information mean?

Answer      :    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 but does not include ?file notings? [S.2(f)].

Question    :    What does Right to Information mean?

Answer      :    It includes the right to ?

i.              inspect works, documents, records.

ii.            Take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records.

iii.          Take certified samples of material.

iv.          Obtain information in form of printouts, diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through printouts. [S.2(j)]

Officers and their obligations

Question    :    What are the obligations of public authority?

Answer      :    It shall publish within one hundred and twenty days of the enactment:-

i.              the particulars of its organization, functions and duties;

ii.            the powers and duties of its officers and employees;

iii.          the procedure followed in its decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability;

iv.          the norms set by it for the discharge of its functions;

v.            the rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records use by its employees for discharging its functions;

vi.          a statement of the categories of the documents held by it or under its control;

vii.        the particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with, or representation by the members of the public, in relation to the formulation of policy or implementation thereof;

viii.      a statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted by it. Additionally, information as to whether the meetings of these are open to the public, or the minutes? of such meetings are accessible to the public;

ix.          a directory of its officers and employees;

x.            the monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation as provided in its regulations;

xi.          the budget allocated to each of its agency, indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made;

xii.        the manner of execution of subsidy programmes, including the amounts allocated and the details and beneficiaries of such programmes;

xiii.      particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations granted by it;

xiv.     details of the information available to, or held by it, reduced in an electronic form;

xv.       the particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library or reading room, if maintained for public use;

xvi.     the names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers. [S.4(1)(b)]

Question    :    What does a ?public authority? mean?

Answer      :    It means any authority or body or institution of self-government established or constituted: [S.2(h)]

  by or under the Constitution;

  by any other law made by Parliament;

  by any other law made by State Legislature;

  by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government and includes any-

a.       body owned, controlled or substantially financed

b.      non-Government organization substantially financed directly or indirectly by the appropriate Government.

Question    :    Who are Public Information Officers (PIOs)?

Answer      :    PIOs are officers designated by the public authorities in all administrative units or offices under it to provide information to the citizens requesting for information under the Act. Any officer, whose assistance has been sought by the PIO for the proper discharge of his or her duties, shall render all assistance and for the purpose of contraventions of the provisions of this Act, such other officers shall be treated as a PIO.

Question    :    What are the duties of a PIO?

Answer      :   

• PIO shall deal with requests from persons seeking information and where the request cannot be made in writing, to render reasonable assistance to the person to reduce the same in writing.

• If the information requested for is held by or its subject matter is closely connected with the function of another public authority, the PIO shall transfer, within 5 days, the request to that other public authority and inform the applicant immediately.

• PIO may seek the assistance of any other officer for the proper discharge of his/her duties.

• PIO, on receipt of a request, shall as expeditiously as possible, and in any case within 30 days of the receipt of the request, either provide the information on payment of such fees as may be prescribed or reject the request for any of the reasons specified in S.8 or S.9.

• Where the information requested for concerns the life or liberty of a person, the same shall be provided within forty-eight hours of the receipt of the request.

• If the PIO fails to give decision on the request within the period specified, he shall be deemed to have refused the request.

• Where a request has been rejected, the PIO shall communicate to the requester ? (i) the reasons for such rejection, (ii) the period within which an appeal against such rejection may be preferred, and (iii) the particulars of the Appellate Authority.

• PIO shall provide information in the form in which it is sought unless it would disproportionately divert the resources of the Public Authority or would be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the record in question.

• If allowing partial access, the PIO shall give a notice to the applicant, informing:

• a.    that only part of the record requested, after severance of the record containing information which is exempt from disclosure, is being provided;

• b.    the reasons for the decision, including any findings on any material question of fact, referring to the material on which those findings were based;

• c.    the name and designation of the person giving the decision;

• d.    the details of the fees calculated by him or her and the amount of fee which the applicant is required to deposit; and

• e.    his or her rights with respect to review of the decision regarding non-disclosure of part of the information, the amount of fee charged or the form of access provided.

• If information sought has been supplied by third party or is treated as confidential by that third party, the PIO shall give a written notice to the third party within 5 days from the receipt of the request and take its representation into consideration.

• Third party must be given a chance to make a representation before the PIO within 10 days from the date of receipt of such notice.

Information available

Question    :    What is not open to disclosure?

Answer      :    The following is exempt from disclosure [S.8)]

i.              information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with foreign State.. or lead to incitement of an offence

ii.            information which has been expressly forbidden to be published by any court of law or tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute contempt of court;

iii.          information, the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature;

iv.          information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information;

v.            information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information;

vi.          information received in confidence from foreign Government;

vii.        information, the disclosure of which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes;

viii.      information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders;

ix.          cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers;

x.            information which relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual;

xi.          Notwithstanding any of the exemptions listed above, a public authority may allow access to information, if public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm to the protected interests.

Question    :    Is partial disclosure allowed?

Answer      :    Only that part of the record which does not contain any information which is exempt from disclosure and which can reasonably be severed from any part that contains exempt information, may be provided. [S.10]

Question    :    Who is excluded?

Answer      :    Central Intelligence and Security agencies specified in the Second Schedule like IB, R&AW, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Narcotics Control Bureau, Aviation Research Centre, Special Frontier Force, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles, Special Service Bureau, Special Branch (CID), Andaman and Nicobar, The Crime Branch-CID-CB, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Special Branch, Lakshadweep Police. Agencies specified by the State Governments through a Notification will also be excluded. The exclusion, however, is not absolute and these organizations have an obligation to provide information pertaining to allegations of corruption and human rights violations. Furthers, information relating to allegations of human rights valuations could be given but only with the approval of the Central or State Information Commission, as the case may be. [S.24)]

Procedure for Request of Information

Question    :    What is the Application Procedure for requesting information?

Answer      :    1.   Apply in writing or through electronic means in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area, to the PIO, specifying the particulars of the information sought for.

2.       Reason for seeking information are not required to be given;

3.       Pay fees as may be prescribed (if not belonging to the below poverty line category).

Question    :    What is the time limit to get the information?

Answer      :    1.   30 days from the date of application

2.      48 hours for information concerning the life and liberty of a person

3.      5 days shall be added to the above response time, in case the application for information is given to Assistant Public Information Officer.

4.      If the interests of a third party are involved then time limit will be 40 days (maximum period + time given to the party to make representation).

5.      Failure to provide information within the specified period is a deemed refusal.

Question    :    What is the fee?

Answer      :    1.   Application fees to be prescribed which must be reasonable.

2.      If further fees are required, then the same must be intimated in writing with calculation details of how the figure was arrived at;

3.      Applicant can seek review of the decision on fees charges by the PIO by applying to the appropriate Appellate Authority;

4.      No fees will be charged from people living below the poverty line

5.      Applicant must be provided information free of cost if the PIO fails to comply with the prescribed time limit.

Question    :    What could be the ground for rejection?

Answer      :    1.   If it is covered by exemption from disclosure. (S.8)

2.       If it infringes copyright of any person other than the State. (S.9)

Information Commissions

Question    :    How is Central Information Commission constituted?

Answer      :    Central Information Commission to be constituted by the Central Government through a Gazette Notification. Commission includes 1 Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and not more than 10 Information Commissioners (IC) who will be appointed by the President of India. Oath of Office will be administered by the President of India according to the form set out in the First Schedule. Commission shall have its Headquarters in Delhi. Other offices may be established in other parts of the country with the approval of the Central Government. Commission will exercise its powers without being subjected to directions by any other authority. (S.12)

Question    :    What is the eligibility criteria and what is the process of appointment of CIC/IC?

Answer      :    Candidates for CIC/IC must be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance. CIC/IC shall not be a Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory. He shall not hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession. (S.12) Appointment Committee includes Prime Minister (Chair), Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and one Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.

Question    :    What is the term of office and other service conditions of CIC?

Answer      :    CIC shall be appointed for a term of 5 years from date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. CIC is not eligible for reappointment. Salary will be the same as that of the Chief Election Commissioner. This will not be varied to the disadvantage of the CIC during service. (S.13)

Question    :    What is the term of office and other service conditions of IC?

Answer      :    IC shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier and shall not be eligible for reappointment as IC. Salary will be the same as that of the Election Commissioner. This will not be varied to the disadvantage of the IC during service. IC is eligible for appointment as CIC but will not hold office for more than a total of five years including his/her term as IC. (S. 13)

Question    :    How is the State Information Commission constituted?

Answer      :    The State Information Commission will be constituted by the State Government through a Gazette notification. It will have one State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and not more than 10 State Information Commissioners (SIC) to be appointed by the Governor. Oath of office will be administered by the Governor according to the form set out in the First Schedule. The headquarters of the State Information Commission shall be at such place as the State Government may specify. Other offices may be established in other parts of the State with the approval of the State Government. The Commission will exercise its powers without being subjected to any other authority.

Question    :    What is the eligibility criterion and what is the process of appointment of State Chief Information Commissioner/State Information Commissioners?

Answer      :    The Appointments Committee will be headed by the Chief Minister. Other members include the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and one Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister. The qualifications for appointment as SCIC/SIC shall be the same as that for Central Commissioners. The salary of the State Chief Information Commissioner will be the same as that of an Election Commissioner. The salary of the State Information Commissioner will be the same as that of the Chief Secretary of the State Government. (S.15)

Question    :    What are the powers and functions of Information Commissions?

Answer      :    The Central Information Commission/State Information Commission has a duty to receive complaints from any person-

a)    who has not been able to submit an information request because a PIO has not been appointed;

b)   who has been refused information that was requested;

c)    who has received no response to his/her information request within the specified time limits;

d)   who thinks the fees charges are unreasonable;

e)    who thinks information given is incomplete or false or misleading; and

f)      any other matter relating to obtaining information under this law.

                     Power to order inquiry if there are reasonable grounds.

                     CIC/SCIC will have powers of Civil Court such as -

a)    summoning and enforcing attendance of persons, compelling them to give oral or written evidence on oath and to produce documents or things;

b)   requiring the discovery and inspection of documents;

c)    receiving evidence on affidavit;

d)   requisitioning public recodes or copies from any court or office

e)    issuing summons for examination of witnesses or documents

f)      any other matter which may be prescribed.

                     All records covered by this law (including those covered by exemptions) must be given to CIC/SCIC during inquiry for examination.  Power to secure compliance of its decisions from the Public Authority includes-

a)    providing access to information in a particular  form;

b)   directing the public authority to appoint a PIO/APIO where none exists;

c)    publishing information or categories of information;

d)   making necessary changes to the practices relating to management, maintenance and destruction of records;

e)    enhancing training  provision for officials on RTI;

f)      seeking an annual report from the public authority on compliance with this law;

g)   require it to compensate for any loss or other detriment suffered by the applicant;

h)   impose penalties under this law; or

i)      reject the application. (S.18 and S.19)

Question    :    What is the reporting procedure?

Answer      :    Central Information Commission will send an annual report to the Central Government on the implementation of the provisions of this law at the end of the year. The State Information Commission will send a report to the State Government.

Each Ministry has a duty to compile reports from its Public Authorities and send them to the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission, as the case may be.

Each report will contain details of number of requests received by each Public Authority, number of rejections and appeals, particulars of any disciplinary action taken, amount of fees and charges collected etc.

Central Government will table the Central Information Commission report before Parliament after the end of each year. The concerned State Government will table the report of the State Information Commission before the Vidhan Sabha (and the Vidhan Parishad wherever.)

Question    :    Who has the power to deal with the difficulties while implementing this act?

Answer      :    if any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions in the Act, the Central Government may, by Order published in the Official Gazette, make provisions necessary/expedient for removing the dty. (S.30)

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