For the B.com students of M G University, Kottayam

1. As A tool to improve trAnspArency in
public AffAirs
right to informAtion Act
presented by:
SONY KURIAKOSE

2. Evolution of RTI Act
Freedom of Information Act (FOI
Act)
2002
National Campaign for People’s
Right to Information (NCPRI)
submitted their recommendations
August 2004
Right to Information Bill tabled in
the parliament by the government
December 2004
Loksabha passed the bill 11th
May 2005
Successfully moved through
Rajyasabha
12th
May 2005
Passed by the Parliament 15th
June 2005
Became operational 12th
October 2005

3. Objectives RTI
1. To provide for setting out the practical regime of right
to information under the control of public authorities for
citizens of the country.
2. To promote transparency and accountability in the
working of every public authority and thereby improve
the efficiency of government functions.
3. The constitution of a Central Information Commission.
4. The constitution of State Information Commissions
5. To remove corruption in the public institutions through
informed citizenry and increased transparency.

5. 5
Logo• A very simple and iconic logo.
• A sheet of paper with information on it,
and the authority figure behind it –
providing the information.
• This represents the two key
stakeholders in the process of sharing
information under the RTI Act.
• The lines of information on the sheet of
paper are rendered in a manner that
makes it look transparent, showing
through the form of ‘i’ from behind.
• The solid form of ‘i’ is a very simplistic
portrayal of the human form and can
also be related to the ‘i’ for information.
• The bright blue color stands for
transparency and purity (free from
malpractices) of process.

6. MODULE DIVISION

7. WHAT IS RTI?

8. What Does Information mean?
Section 2(f)
Any material held in any form including :-
• Records
• Documents
• Memos
• Opinions & advices
• Press releases
• Circulars, orders & logbooks
• Contracts
• Reports, papers, samples & models
• Any data in electronic form
• Information relating to any private body which can be
accessed by a public authority.

9. What does Right to Information mean?-
RTI held by or under the control of-------

10. RTI cost

11. Application procedure for requesting
information -Section 6 (1)
• Apply in writing or through electronic mode
• It may be in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area,
to the PIO(Public Information Officer), specifying the particulars of
the information required for.
• Reason for seeking information are not required to be given;
• No personal details are to be attached except the contact details.
• Pay fees as may be prescribed (if not belonging to the below
poverty line category).
• If further fees required, it must be intimated to the information
seeker showing the calculation.
• Applicant can seek review of the decision by applying to Appellate
Authority by paying the prescribed fees.

12. How to write and send an application?
• On plain paper: Use white sheet of paper to write an application . No
restriction on number of pages.
• Typed or Hand Written: No compulsion to type the matter but it should
be readable.
• No limit on questions: There are no restrictions on number of questions
that can be asked in one application. However it is advisable to ask limited
number of questions.
• TESTED METHODS OF SENDING
• Personally, By hand –copy of the application/ proof of payment is duly
stamped, signed and stamped by the PIO or inward department
• Registered post
• Speed post

13. Disposal of an application- Time limit (7(1)
• Authority- Time Limit
• Public Information officer- 30 days
• Assistant Public Information officer- 35 days
• PIO transfers to another public authority(Authority better concerned)- 30
days from the day it is received by the PIO of the transferee authority
• If related to Human Rights violation in Security agencies- 45 days with the
prior approval of CIC
• If life or liberty of a person is involved- 48 hours

14. Third Party

15. Appeal

16. Appeal

17. Complaint

18. Exemptions 8 (1)

19. Grounds for rejection

20. Penalty - Sec 20 (1)

21. Information Commissions
Central Information Commission State Information Commission
1. It consists of chief information commissioner
and ten central information commissioners.
It consists of State chief information
commissioner and ten state information
commissioners.
1. Chief information commissioner is appointed
by the President on the recommendation of a
committee consisting of Prime Minister
(chairperson), Leader of Opposition in
Loksabha and union Cabinet Minister
nominated by the Prime Minister
State Chief information commissioner is
appointed by the Governor on the
recommendation of a committee consisting
of Chief Minister (chairperson), Leader of
Opposition in Legislative Assembly and
union Cabinet Minister nominated by the
Chief Minister
1. Chief information commissioner and members
shall be persons of eminence in public life with
knowledge in Law, Management, Journalism,
Administration and Governance
State Chief information commissioner and
members shall be persons of eminence in
public life with knowledge in Law,
Management, Journalism, Administration
and Governance

22. Information Commissions
Central Information Commission State Information Commission
1. Chief information commissioner shall not be
a Member of Parliament or Legislative
Assembly.
State Chief information commissioner
shall not be a Member of Parliament or
Legislative Assembly.
1. It is headquartered at Delhi It is decided by the state government
1. Chief information commissioner shall hold
the office for 5 years or till he attains the age
of 65 whichever is earlier and no re-
appointment is made.
State Chief information commissioner
shall hold the office for 5 years or till he
attains the age of 65 whichever is earlier
and no re-appointment is made.
1. Chief information commissioner can be
removed by the order of the President due to
misbehavior, insolvency, paid employment
outside etc.
Chief information commissioner can be
removed by the order of the Governor
due to misbehavior, insolvency, paid
employment outside etc.

23. Definitions

24. Definitions

25. Definitions

26. Success Story of RTI
• Pollution Factory Shutdown

27. Poll
Pollution Factory Shutdown (Contnd)
Factory Shutdown (Contd..)