The full form of RTI is “Right to Information.” It is a law in India that gives citizens the right to access information held by the government. The law was enacted in 2005 and is considered a significant step towards transparency and accountability in government.
RTI allows any citizen of India to request information from a public authority, which is defined as any body established or constituted by the Constitution or by law made by Parliament or the State Legislature, or by notification issued or order made by the appropriate government, including any body owned, controlled or substantially financed by the government.
The information that can be requested under RTI includes any information that is held by a public authority, including information about its policies, decisions, and activities. The law also allows citizens to request access to records, documents, and other information held by the government, including information about government schemes, programs, and services.
The RTI Act also provides for the appointment of Public Information Officers (PIOs) in each public authority, who are responsible for receiving and responding to RTI requests. If a citizen is not satisfied with the response of the PIO, they can appeal to the First Appellate Authority, and if still not satisfied, to the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission.
The RTI Act has been widely used by citizens to access information on a wide range of issues, including corruption, land acquisition, and the functioning of public services. It has also been used by civil society organizations and the media to expose corruption and hold public officials accountable. Overall the RTI Act is considered as one of the most powerful tools for citizens to access information and hold the government accountable.