QUE : The Right to Information Act (RTI Act) has played an important role in empowering citizens and establishing accountability. – Discuss.

The Right to Information Act-2005 gives any citizen of India the right to freely obtain information related to governance, so that he can be a responsible citizen and directly participate in the democratic governance system.

•  According to the Supreme Court:
  

•  The right to RTI comes under the right to freedom of expression, dissemination of information, right to receive information under Article 19(1).
  
•  No reason is required to be given for exercising the rights of RTI.
  
•  According to the Indian Parliament, in order to avoid other obstacles in the functioning of RTI (not to deprive the public of information), the Parliament has made provision for Section-22 in RTI, which works to empower citizens.
  

 Role of RTI in Citizen Empowerment:

•  Every year, 6 lakh people apply for information, which ensures the accountability of the administration along with the awareness of the citizens.
  
•  The largest category of applicants is the poor and marginalized people, because there are no effective grievance redressal centers in the governance system.
  
• Every citizen of India has got the right to access government files and records, and has also prepared the role of becoming a whistle blower.

•  Role of RTI in achieving the concept of accountability:

• It is mandatory to provide information within 30 days.
  
•  Penalty has been provided to the department or officer for failing to provide information. Thus, accountability of all departments is ensured.
  
•  RTI has shed light on corruption and arbitrary use of power by the state.

                     Thus, the right to information is for the empowerment of citizens. At the same time, it can prove to be crucial in establishing transparency, accountability and effective governance systems by ensuring the accountability of governance.