RTI : Introduction and its Enactment

The Right to Information (RTI) Act in India, enacted in 2005, has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s democratic landscape. This legislation empowers citizens to access information from government bodies, fostering transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation. It comes into force on the 12th October, 2005 (120th day of its enactment on 15th June, 2005) (RTI ACT 2005). Some provisions have come into force with immediate effect viz. obligations of public authorities, designation of Public Information Officers and Assistant Public Information Officers and constitution of Central Information Commission, constitution of State Information Commission, non-applicability of the Act to Intelligence and Security Organizations and power to make rules to carry out the provisions of the Act.

RTI: Procedure for obtaining Information

In terms of sub-section (1) of Section 6, a person, who desires to obtain information admissible under the Act, should make a written request in Form- A to the Public Information Officer (PIO), B.J.B. Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar, accompanied by a Bank Draft / IPO of Rs.10/- (Rupees ten only) in the favour of PIO, Public Information Officer (PIO), B.J.B. Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar payable at Bhubaneswar or enclose the copy of receipt for Rs.10/- (Rupees Ten only), by depositing the same towards the application fee, specifying the particulars of the information sought by him or her.Further, for providing the information under sub-section (1) of section 7, the fee as applicable will be charged.