3 Review(s)

It is now widely recognized that democracy to be meaningful ought to be based on the notion of an informed public participating thoughtfully in its own governance. Information and knowledge are the instruments for transformation because an empowered citizenry tends to make administration more accountable and participatory. It also ensures greater transparency and acts as a deterrent against the arbitrary exercise of official powers. The RTI has not only improved governance that is why it has now been recognized as an essential requirement of good governance. The enactment of RTI Act in India in 2005 marked a paradigm shift in Indian democracy. The experience of ten years shows that the response to it has been very positive. A wide spectrum of people from various strata of society have been seeking different types of information from various authorities.The book analyses the right to information in international and national scenario. The book offers a comprehensive appraisal of the need of the RTI Act, 2005, it covers salient features, important judgements of Supreme and High Courts and point outs the grey areas of the Act as well. The book also highlights the role and responsibilities of the Assistant Public Information Officers, Public Information Officers, First Appellate Authorities and Information Commissions. In addition, the book delineates the practical aspects of its implementations, therefore, pinpointing the impediments in its effective implementation as well as charting the roadmap for the bright future in the days to come. To facilitate the comparative and better understanding of the implementation of RTI Act in the states, certain relevant and important RTI Rules of Centre and States have been included in the book at the end. The book is designed to help the information seekers, policy-makers, public authorities and of course the students.