RTI Act: How much did you know about the most important act in recent times?

Right To Information or the more commonly used term RTI, we have all heard it from either our Civics textbooks or more recently from a famous prime ministerial candidate. We all understand that we have a basic right to information, but how much do we know about the RTI Act and its actual process? Did you know that RTI is not applicable for Jammu and Kashmir? In the recent episode of Satyamev Jayate, Kings Every Day, Aamir Khan shed some light on the basics of this act with the help of Mr. Shankar Singh, former member of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan. Here are five things you need to know about RTI!

1. What is RTI

As the name suggests, it is right to information. This was introduced in the parliament to provide a practical regime of the right to information (one of our fundamental rights). Under this act we can question every act of a public authority, central or state government, etc. any information about the government deeds in a certain area can be attained by simply filling out a form.

2. How do we use it?

All you need for filing an RTI is a Rs. 10 court fee stamp, an identity proof (pan card/ passport/ration card/ driver’s license) and of course a typed or written paper. The main aim of this letter is to keep it short and simple. You can ask for any documents you wish to verify or investigate, from the profits or costing of government projects to the nuisance records against any particular government institution.

3. Charges

The basic charges of filing a RTI is Rs 10 for the court fee stamp. Additional fee differ from state to state. The costing of photocopies, providing CDs, etc. of the requested documents will be charged accordingly.

4. Timely Supply

According to the act the information should be provided within 30 days with the exception of certain special circumstances. If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it should be provided within 48 hours. If the information is not provided within the timeline, it is then to be given free of charge.

5. Exclusions

While the RTI applies to most of our states and all our union territories, there are certain data which has been excluded for various reasons. The RTI act is not available for Jammu and Kashmir. Central Intelligence and Security agencies specified in the Second Schedule like IB, Directorate General of Income tax(Investigation), RAW, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Narcotics Control Bureau, Aviation Research Centre, Special Frontier Force, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles, Special Service Bureau, Special Branch (CID), Andaman and Nicobar, The Crime Branch-CID-CB, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Special Branch, Lakshadweep Police. Agencies specified by the State Governments through a Notification will also be excluded. Also, Students cannot attain their exam answer sheets for personal evaluation under this act.