Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction (20-30 words)

• Define the importance of access to information in democratic governance. Mention how it builds trust, enables accountability, and fosters transparency in a democratic society.
• Briefly introduce the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 as a legal framework that ensures access to public information and strengthens governance.

Example: “Access to information is vital for effective governance as it fosters transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is a crucial tool that contributes to ethical governance by ensuring citizens’ right to access public information.”

2. How the RTI Act Promotes Ethical Governance

A. Promotes Transparency (40-50 words)

• Fact: RTI ensures that citizens can access records and documents of government activities, promoting transparency in the public sector.

Example:
“Transparency is a cornerstone of ethical governance. The RTI Act ensures greater openness by giving citizens the right to access government-held information, as outlined in Section 2(j), which mandates that public authorities provide records, work details, and documents upon request.”

B. Ensures Accountability (40-50 words)

• Fact: Public authorities are held accountable for their actions by being required to justify decisions and administrative actions.

Example:
“The RTI Act enhances accountability by requiring public authorities to provide reasons for their decisions under Section 4(1)(d). This provision forces authorities to explain administrative and quasi-judicial decisions, making them answerable to the public.”

C. Preventing Corruption and Promoting Probity (40-50 words)

• Fact: The RTI Act has been instrumental in exposing various corruption scandals.

Example:
“The RTI Act acts as a deterrent against corruption by making government operations open to public scrutiny. Notably, the Act helped expose major corruption scandals, such as the Adarsh Society scam and the Commonwealth Games scam, thereby promoting ethical governance.”

D. Empowering Citizens and Encouraging Participation (40-50 words)

• Fact: Over 60 lakh RTI applications are filed annually, reflecting the growing use of the Act for civic engagement.

Example:
“The RTI Act empowers citizens by encouraging them to actively participate in government decisions. With over 60 lakh RTI applications filed each year, it serves as a platform for people to seek information and engage with the governance process.”

3. Challenges to the Effective Implementation of RTI (40-50 words)

• Fact: Despite its benefits, the RTI Act faces challenges such as low awareness, especially among marginalized communities.

Example:
“However, challenges persist in the widespread implementation of the RTI Act. For instance, awareness is lower among marginalized groups, with only 12% of women being aware of the Act, as reported by a PwC survey, hindering its full potential.”

4. Conclusion (20-30 words)

• Summarize the importance of the RTI Act in promoting ethical governance, while acknowledging the need for addressing challenges like awareness and protection of whistleblowers.

Example:
“In conclusion, while the RTI Act is a powerful tool in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical governance, its effectiveness can be further strengthened by enhancing awareness and protecting whistleblowers.”

Relevant Facts and Sources

1. Transparency and Right to Access Information
   • Section 2(j) of the RTI Act, 2005 guarantees citizens the right to access information held by public authorities, including documents, records, and inspection of work.
2. Accountability
   • Section 4(1)(d) mandates public authorities to provide reasons for administrative and quasi-judicial decisions, ensuring greater accountability to the public.
3. Prevention of Corruption and Promoting Probity
   • The RTI Act has helped expose several corruption scandals, such as:
     • Adarsh Society Scam
     • Commonwealth Games Scam
     • Indian Red Cross Society Scam
4. Citizen Empowerment
   • Approximately 60 lakh RTI applications are filed annually, showing active public participation in governance and the RTI process.
5. Challenges
   • Low awareness: A PwC survey found that awareness of the RTI Act among women was only 12%, compared to 26% for men.
   • Whistleblower Protection: Despite the Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014, several RTI activists have faced assault and even death, reflecting the need for better safeguards.
   • Implementation Issues: Certain states, such as Jharkhand and Tripura, had defunct State Information Commissions (SICs) between 2011-2022, affecting the implementation of the RTI Act.