The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation.

y info

• affordable info
• -> transparency
• -> accountability
• -> good governance
• <- corruption

| Challenges & Limitations |

1. Operational ① huge pendencies of appeals ② 3.5L+ pending ② unwillingness of PIO to levy fines on officials for non compliance. ③ emphasis on form of query rather than substance leading to high dismal rates ④ lack of awareness of RTI especially in rural areas and amongst marginal groups like SC/ST/OBC/EWS/women.

b. Institutional ① lack of transparency in appointment of CICs and ICs ② vacancies in SIC, many are defunct ③ poor gender representation ④ only 4% ICs → women ④ politicisation and favouritism in appointments ⑤ narrow base for selection as most ICs IAS.

c) Legal ① The RTI Amendment Act 2019 decreases independence and autonomy of CICs and SICs ② Recent Digital Personal Data Protection act also limits scope of RTI by widening definition of personal data of public officials ③ provision of voluntary disclosure under RTI has been ignored.

Measures ① transparency in appointments + broad basing of selection pool. ② fill the vacancies immediately ③ focus on voluntary disclosure & Jan Soochna Portal (RT) ④ ensure financial independence of CIC & SIC. ⑤ awareness campaigns & capacity building of people to educate them about correct procedure to file RTI ⑥ provide requisite infrastructural support + staff support.