Right to Information Act, 2005

Introduction

On first day we have discussed about RTI act.  It comes into force on the 12th October, 2005 (120th day of its enactment on 15th June, 2005). It applies to all state in India exclude Jammu Kashmir.

Any Indian citizen can get information from any Govt. office under RTI Act. 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 related office.

Right to information means

We can inspect works, Records & documents.  We can get extract copies from document & also we get sample of material.

Public Authority

It is made by or under constitution or it made by law parliament, it is made by law state Legislature and order made by Government.

Later we discussed about sections Suo-Muto under Sec 4(1)(b)  &  specific information under Sec(6)(1) availed  under the RTI Act 2005. Suo-Muto is self declaration that means, it provides detail information of the department that covers 17 points under the Act.  Example Details of employees, Budget & responsibilities. The Sec(6)(1) provides any specific information that is required under any department by paying a nominal fee of Rs.10 either by  PO, Cheque & DD.

After that we discussed some important points what PIO is. Any administration must have Public information officer. No fees will charged by BPO & No charge for Suo-Muto.

Learning:

We got opportunity to learn Act through experienced practically. In that I learnt how to face real life challenges. First day I went to file Suo-Muto for HDMC. There was separate office for PIO. So I went there but there was no PIO.  Then I met other person   Revenue officer He was asking me to give Rs.10 for getting Suo-Muto.  I had knowledge about sec[4(1)(b)  so told him I told him clearly I won’t give money  for that. After that he enquired higher authority then he took it is in inward section. Later I met Asst. Commissioner I got Suo-Muto with in an hour. 

In Nehru Yuva Kendra office & Forest office at Dharawad they didn’t give good response. Even though this act came in 2005 some officers didn’t know about Suo-Muto. I convinced higher officers making them to read whole RTI Act 2005 & made it successful.

Now, I am able to tell this Act to others by street play.  We conducted our street play at Devinagar Hubli, about Drainage to file under RTI.  The residences of Devinagar are going to do file under RTI act. They have applied many times to HDMC but they didn’t take any action. They became very happy knew this Act.