Right to Information Act or RTI is a central legislation, which enables the citizens to procure information from a public authority. It provides the mechanism for obtaining information.

RTI Act is a progressive legislation based on citizen’s right to know which is a fundamental right, enshrined in the Constitution of India. The purpose of the act is to make the executive accountable and ensure transparency in the implementation of schemes and policies. Under the act, information may be sought from a public authority as defined under the act. Common examples of public authorities are PMC, MSEB, RTO, PMT etc. Right to information includes right to inspect documents.

To see how the act has been effectively used by the citizens against the authorities, go to success stories.

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It came into force on 12th October 2005 (120th day of its enactment on 15th June, 2005).

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The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Section 2 (f) of the act defines information as
“Information means any material in any form including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force but does not include "file notings"

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It includes the right to -

• Inspect works, documents, records.
• Take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records.
• Take certified samples of material.
• Obtain information in form of printouts, diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through printouts.
  
  
  

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