Chhaya SinghAIR 65 · CSE 2023 · 147 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
RTI Act, 2005 was introduced to ensure citizen centric governance; by providing a bridge between governing and governed.
Fig: Features of Act Challenges faced:-
Body · points
- Appointment of CIC/IC
- Proactive disclosure
- Provision for filing application for info + appeal process
- timely disclosure [30 days]
- ensure good governance
Challenges faced:-
(1) Not implemented in spirit:- Regarded as additional burden by officials.
(2) Policy incoherence → RTI v. OSA → Non-disclosure in name of private information.
(iii) Lack of capacity:- • Positions vacant [25% in Andhra Pradesh] • Too many records to digitise. (iv) Frivolous RTI → leading to wastage of resource (v) Has reduced risk taking capacity of officials
What should be done?
(i) Capacity building mechanism:- • Training to officials • Timely appointment • Ensure less frequent transfers. (ii) Adopt best practices (eg) Digitisation of land records in Karnataka (iii) Remove blanket exemptions:- (eg) Private interest, security • Need to be rationalised. (iv) Process for filtering out frivolous RTI. (v) Officials should be protected for bonafide risks.
Close · a way forward
These can make RTI effective.