PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
2005
Explanation
The Right to Information (RTI) Act is a landmark legislation in India that came into force on October 12, 2005. The Act was passed by Parliament on June 15, 2005. It mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information. The primary objective of the RTI Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government, and combat corruption. It replaced the erstwhile Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
Key Points
- > The RTI Act was enacted and came into force in 2005.
- > It allows any citizen of India to request information from a 'public authority'.
- > The standard time limit to provide the requested information is 30 days.
- > If the information concerns the life and liberty of a person, it must be supplied within 48 hours.
- > The Act derives its backing from Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution (Freedom of Speech).
- > Intelligence and security agencies like RAW and IB are generally exempt from RTI.
Additional Information
Important Rights-based Legislations in India
| Act Name | Enacted/Forced Year | Core Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Right to Information (RTI) | 2005 | Transparency in governance |
| Mahatma Gandhi NREGA | 2006 (Act in 2005) | 100 days of guaranteed wage employment |
| Right to Education (RTE) | 2010 (Act in 2009) | Free and compulsory education for children (6-14) |
| National Food Security Act | 2013 | Subsidized food grains for vulnerable populations |
Memory Tips
- RTI and NREGA twins: Both the Right to Information Act and the NREGA Act were passed in the same landmark year: 2005.