Assess the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in ensuring transparency and accountability in government in the last two decades. (Answer in 250 words)

The Right to Information Act of 2005 was a landmark legislation that operationalized the right to know (Article 19A). Effectiveness of RTI in ensuring transparency and accountability:

1. Section 2 of the RTI act makes it a legal right to seek information

2. Section 7 imposes timelines on the public information officers

3. It has been able to expose irregularities in governance eg PDS ghost cards in Bihar

4. It has identified corrupt practices and diversion of funds eg diversion of mid-day meal funds in Odisha

5. Section 4 suggests proactive disclosure by public institutions which enhances transparency

6. Accessible online RTI portal has made usage of RTI act easier

However, there have been several limitations to the RTI Act:

1. Increased usage of exemption clauses under Sections 8 & Section 11 from disclosure of classified information

2. Secrecy clause under section 24 reduces citizens access to certain information

However, there have been several limitations to the RTI Act

1. Delays in responses to RTIs by PDOs

2. Unsubstantiated central and state information commission (CICASIC) concerns over independence of CICASIC & appointment justices

3. Using e-governance to improve RTI effectiveness eg Jharkhand Taar Kendra portal

Global best practices - Scotland has given constitutional status to information commission RTI without independence is like a sword in a scabbard controlled by the very people it was meant to scrutinize.

3. Delays in responses to RTIs by PDOs

4. Unsubstantiated central and state information commission (CICASIC) concerns over independence of CICASIC & appointment justices

Way Forward

1. Using e-governance to improve RTI effectiveness eg Jharkhand Taar Kendra portal

2. Global best practices - Scotland has given constitutional status to information commission

RTI without independence is like a sword in a scabbard controlled by the very people it was meant to scrutinize.

1. Concerns over independence of CICASIC & appointment justices

2. Delays in responses to RTIs by PDOs

3. Underfunded central and state information commission (CICASIC)

4. Concerns over independence of CICASIC & appointment justices