Question Q16AssessGS2GS2

सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम, 2005 की प्रासंगिकता का आकलन कीजिए। 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)

Introduction

The RTI Act has been described as a cornerstone of democracy in India and promotes citizen oversight of public institutions.

20 words

Main Body

However it has shortfalls

1High processing delays upto 288 days per case make it hard to access information

2The CIC suffers from understaffing with only 2410 Information Commissioners currently appointed

3Access to information limited by clauses such as

Official Secrets Act

Blocked access by public day details

4Poor record keeping in institutions leading to rejection under 'information not in compiled form' clauses.

5Threat to life of RTI activists → 99 activists died till 2019

6Political conflicts of interest → Deputation staff in CIC is incentivized to protect their fellow departments from investigation

7Low enforceability → only 2% of RTI violations have been penalized.

However it also has outstanding achievements

1Information tool for public usage in cases such as 2G spectrum scan

2Checks undemocratic functioning in

citizen oversight and accountability

3Facilitates social audits through RTI → MGNREGA audit revealed Rs 650 crore discrepancy

4Serves as a tool for citizens to enquire about detailed functions and access documents

Hence the RTI Act has been hampered by some shortfalls but overall has promoted substantial citizen oversight of institutional proceedings.

189 words13 paragraphs2 bullet points

Conclusion

Hence the RTI Act has been hampered by some shortfalls but overall has promoted substantial citizen oversight of institutional proceedings.

20 words

Examiner score

1.5/10

Open original scan

Page 38

Topper

Varun Tokas

AIR 1172025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Governance and Accountability

Right to Information

RTI Act 2005 - Implementation and Shortcomings

Writing Stats

229

Total words

Paragraphs

Bullets

analytical

Tone