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

Information is the currency of democracy - Thomas Jefferson

RTI Act 2005 was launched to widen access to information a legal right through provisions like:

1. Right to timely information - within 30 days/48 hours in emergency case.

2. Public authorities & appoint a public information officer (PIO) to provide information

3. Constituted information commissions at National/state level for hearing appeal

4. Reign of penal penalties on day-to-day basis

5. Proactive disclosure by sector 4 of b to:

RTI has been effective as a catalyst in bringing transparency

RTI has been effective as catalyst in bringing transparency

However challenges persist:

Challenges:

RTI is the biggest tool to hold govt accountable and needs to be reinforced through capacity building and proactive disclosure.