Though RTI was meant to strengthen participatory democracy in India, various factors have hindered its utilization to full potential. In this context, examine the issues pertaining to the implementation of the RTI Act.

The Right to Information Act was brought as a tool for accountability, better governance.

Allow citizens to seek answers, keeping administration on its toes.

Various penalties for delay/no-reply.

Sets up a Central Information Commission, State commission, along with Public Information Officers in every department.

Provide for pro-active disclosure, proper cataloguing of data, etc.

However, various factors hinder its implementation-

1. Lack of trained officers, to reply in RTI in distinct format

2. No cataloguing of data, missing files, non-digitized files.

3. Intentionally disguising reply to hide info.

Use of Sec 8 of RTI to deny information.

Recent amendment to RTI Act, that makes executive more influential, by deciding tenure and salary of CIC.

Lack of awareness in people.

Lack of education to frame RTI.

The act it has proved to be a boon for millions of people. By villages have got irrigation infra built by filing RTI about usage of funds.

Government should collaborate with civil society and NGOs to promote awareness of the act.

— GAURAV OJHA · AIR 204