The Right to Information Act 2005- Historical Background and Key Objectives

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The Right to Information Act

The Right to Information Act, simply known as RTI, is a revolutionary act that aims to promote transparency in government institutions in India.
The Right to Information Act came into existence in 2005, after sustained efforts of anti-corruption activists.
Factors like Corruption and scandals, international pressure and activism, Modernization and the information society were responsible for the enactment of the Right to Information Act in 2005.
Important dates:
- Enactment of Legislation: RTI Act has been made by the legislation of Parliament of India on 15 June 2005.
- Came into force: on 12 October 2005 and has been implemented ever since to provide information to crores of Indian citizens.

Adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948: It provided everyone the right to seek, receive, information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. This gave more authenticity to the demand for the Right to Information in India.
International Covenant on Civil and Political rights 1966: It states that everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression, the freedom to seek and impart information and ideas of all kinds.
Raj Narain vs the State of Uttar Pradesh case: the Supreme Court ruled that the Right to information will be treated as a fundamental right under article 19 of the Constitution.

Right to Information Act aims to create an enabling ecosystem where both citizens and government have two-way communication.
Citizens are aware of the functioning of the government and how it is spending its tax revenue and ultimately participating in the formulation of policies that are more relevant and as per the need of the citizens.
It aims to create an open, transparent, and effective government- key ingredients of good governance in the country.
Key Objectives of the RTI Act includes-
- To Empower citizens to question the government.
- To promotes transparency and accountability in the working of the government.
- To help in containing corruption in the government and work for the people in a better way.
- To ensure better-informed citizens who would keep necessary vigil about the functioning of the government machinery.