GS2 (Governance and transparency)
For the success of the Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of public authorities and citizens be enhanced?
Best answer
Srishty Arun wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)
The verdict of Raj Narain case led to formulation of Right to information Act in 2005. Prior to this right to information was liberally interpreted by the Supreme court as fundamental right under Art 21.
Right to information is an important pillar of democracy and good governance. Yet there has been challenges in realising the objectives of this legislation. Some of them include
# low awareness level
Women less than men and rural less than urban areas
# no standard forms of application is followed
# inadequate efforts to receive the application in electronic means, limited use of IT with non availability of basic infrastructure
# official apathy, inadequately trained PIOs
# lack of assistance in filling forms and non availability of user guides
# lack of monitoring and review mechanisms
# lack of accountability in government, failure to provide information within 30 days
How can this be addressed?
> improve record management practices
> change the drafting of RTI application itself ie, standardized and user friendly
> provide periodic refresher and behavioural training to PIOs
> ensure transparency and accountability in the process
> stringent penalties for non compliance for non submission of reports or implementation of the provisions
> upgrade infrastructure and provide IT training
> adequate incentives and recognition of work done by the officials
Empowered and informed citizens determine the success of democracy in a country. Making RTI truly accessible to all becomes a big step in the right direction.
