“The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
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The Right to Information Act and Accountability
Redefining Accountability
Citizens’ Empowerment: While the Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers citizens by providing them access to information held by public authorities, its impact extends beyond individual empowerment. It fundamentally redefines accountability in governance.
Enhanced Transparency: The RTI Act mandates that government actions and decisions be transparent. This transparency compels public officials to be more accountable for their actions. Example: In recent years, RTI applications have uncovered issues like irregularities in public distribution systems and misuse of funds in various schemes, leading to corrective actions.
Systematic Oversight: The Act enables systematic oversight by allowing citizens to request information and hold public bodies accountable. It ensures that officials must justify their decisions and actions, fostering a culture of responsibility. Example: Investigations triggered by RTI queries have led to exposing corruption in construction projects and mismanagement in educational institutions.
Conclusion: The RTI Act not only empowers citizens but also redefines accountability by ensuring transparency, encouraging responsible governance, and facilitating public oversight.