Right to Information - RTI - The Brahmastra

What is an RTI?

We all have been hearing about RTI … RTI …. RTI … RTI …. What is this RTI? Many of us are aware what an RTI is and how to use it, but this post is for the people who are curious to know what actually an RTI is and how we can make use of it.

RTI stands for Right to Information and has been given the status of a fundamental right under Article 19(1) of the Constitution. Article 19 (1) under which every citizen has freedom of speech and expression and have the right to know how the government works, what role does it play, what are its functions and so on. This Act may be called the Right to Information Act, 2005

The Act confers right to the citizens to know as to how the taxpayer’s money is being spent by the Government.

Right to Information Act empowers every citizen to seek any information, take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records, and take certified samples of material.

The RTI Act extends to the whole of India (except the State of Jammu and Kashmir), all bodies, which come under Government notification including NGOs, which are owned, controlled or are substantially financed by the Government.

RTI Act confers right to access to information held by a Public Authority. In case, you have been denied the access to information you may file Appeal / Complaint before the Central Information Commission (CIC) using the CIC Online.

  

The Power Within

This act, has given the people, the power to CHANGE the country. The RTI act has made the inner working of the Govt. transparent!

If YOU, the average citizen learns to use this act, YOU can change the country.

In this post, we shall tell you how you can use it, how it affects you!

Even if you are naïve about the political scenarios or not aware of the fundamental laws do not worry, this post shall clear all doubts as it’s just simple and easy to understand.

What RTI? I am not affected by it

I am really sorry for this kind of response. If you think that the RTI Act does not affect you, "YOU ARE WRONG!" If you are a citizen of India, and feel for the betterment of your Motherland then this act is for you, the RTI Act has given us lot of power that one should exercise it for one’s own benefit.  

To still clear the doubt about how RTI is of no use to you let me give you an example.

Supposing you want to get a “phone line” or a “water connection”, and incase you don't get the above in stipulated time, then you can opt for the RTI Act, and your work will be done in fair time. You will not have to make 15 trips to the Govt. offices and bribe and beg the officials to get your work done. RTI has changed all that.

Are the roads outside your house in terrible conditions, RTI will help you solve the problem, Is there a problem of un-hygiene in your area, RTI will help you solve your problem.

So do you now realize the power of RTI?

If you are keen to explore RTI, then I would suggest, please enroll for a course on RTI. It’s FREE, and if you end up doing a 15 day course, you shall end up with a certificate from the GOI.

For more details for a 7 Day or 15 Day course please log on:

  http://rtiocc.cgg.gov.in/home.do;jsessionid=D077C43EF4A88209DDDACE89AC3C586B