GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.

Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical GovernanceProbity in Governance

Syllabus: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

How toppers approached it

From all 5 answers · about 150 words · 40% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A constitutional or legal provision60%
  • No separate opening40%

Body

  • Points and prose40%
  • Points40%
  • Continuous prose20%

Close

  • A summary60%
  • No separate close20%
  • A way forward20%

The toppers’ answers

Akshat JainAIR 2 · CSE 2018 · 77 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

As per the 2nd ARC, the Right to Information Act (RTI) is like a MASTER KEY TO GOVERNANCE.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
Flowchart: Why its effective implementation is needed - Create a vibrant democracy where citizens hold representatives accountable - RTI is a fundamental right, part of Article 21, as declared by SC - Deter corruption and unethical practices - Enhance the citizen-centric government interface - Enhance public trust

Steps needed

  1. Repeal or modify pre-RTI acts like Official Secrets Act, that go against its spirit

  2. Enhance the scope of RTI

  3. Strengthen and simplify the information retrieval process

  4. Empower the CIC - Chief Information Commission - to hold negligent public organisations responsible

Close · a way forward

If the above is achieved, RTI will help us achieve a true democracy.

More on Transparency and Information

Information sharing and transparency in government, the Right to Information, and the limits of disclosure.

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