State Information Commissioner T.K. Ramakrishnan says RTI Act strengthens democracy and curbs corruption
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Transparency, accountability & RTI· Prelims·
RTI as a tool for participatory democracy and accountability: a key GS2 Governance topic.
Why in news
State Information Commissioner T.K. Ramakrishnan highlighted the RTI Act's role in strengthening democracy and curbing corruption during a seminar at Municipal Town Hall.
Background
The RTI Act was passed in 2005 following a people's movement led by Aruna Roy and the National Campaign for People's Right to Information. The movement originated from protests by farmers and workers in Devdungri village, Rajasthan, demanding access to official records.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillRTI Act was passed by Parliament in 2005
- PostAruna Roy led the people's movement for the RTI Act
- PlaceDevdungri village in Rajasthan was the site of the initial protest for access to official records
- FactThe RTI Act allows for a 30-day period for providing information, which is not a mandatory waiting period
Prelims practice question
Which village in Rajasthan served as the site for the initial protests demanding access to official records for the RTI Act?
- (a)Udaipur
- (b)Jodhpur
- (c)Beawar
- (d)Devdungri
Show answer
Answer: (d) Devdungri — The note states that the movement originated from protests by farmers and workers in Devdungri village.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the Right to Information Act serves as a tool for participatory democracy and accountability in Indian governance.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Democratic accountability: Transition from exclusive rights of elected representatives to the general citizenry
- Administrative efficiency: Balancing the mandate for timely information disclosure against the 30-day statutory limit
- Misuse vs. Transparency: The tension between protecting official secrets and ensuring the public's right to know
Keywords: Right to Information · Participatory Democracy · Transparency · Accountability · Public Interest · Administrative Ethics
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