This document provides comprehensive guidelines for Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) regarding their role and responsibilities under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. It clarifies that CPIOs play a crucial role in facilitating citizens’ access to information and that they are accountable for adhering to the Act’s provisions. The guidelines cover various aspects...
This communication from the Government of India’s Department of Personnel & Training to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories emphasizes the critical importance of Section 4 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It outlines the obligation for public authorities to proactively disclose information to the public through suo-motu dissemination, reducing the need for...
This document provides detailed guidelines for public authorities on their obligations and responsibilities under the Right to Information Act, 2005. It emphasizes that public authorities are custodians of information that citizens have a right to access. The guidelines cover aspects such as the definition of information, the rights of citizens, proactive disclosure requirements, record...
This communication highlights the importance of effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005, emphasizing it as a shared responsibility of the central and state governments. It commends states like Andhra Pradesh for taking innovative steps, such as developing an MIS for data collection from public authorities to aid the State Information Commission’s annual reporting and...
This office memorandum clarifies the roles and responsibilities of Public Information Officers (PIOs) under Section 5 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. While PIOs can seek assistance from other officers for proper discharge of their duties, and such assisting officers are treated as PIOs for contravention of the Act, this provision does not grant PIOs the authority to designate other...
This office memorandum clarifies the provisions of Section 5(4) and 5(5) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It addresses the misuse of these sections by Public Information Officers (PIOs) who are transferring applications to other officers and directing them to provide information, effectively designating them as PIOs. The memo emphasizes that while PIOs can seek assistance from other...
This communication from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel & Training, clarifies a crucial aspect of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. It highlights that while individuals can file complaints and appeals with the Central or State Information Commissions, the formation of Benches by these commissions to decide on such matters is only...
A recent directive clarifies that the definition of ‘information’ under the Right to Information Act, 2005, does not encompass answers to ‘why’ questions. This means that public information authorities are not obligated to provide justifications or reasons for actions taken, as these fall outside the scope of what is considered ‘information’ under the Act. The...
This office memorandum clarifies that under the Right to Information Act, 2005, ‘why’ questions are not considered part of the definition of ‘information’. This interpretation stems from a Bombay High Court ruling in the case of Dr. Elsa Pinto vs. Goa State Information Commission. The ruling states that citizens can seek information but cannot demand reasons or...
This memorandum clarifies that file notings are generally disclosable under the Right to Information Act, 2005. However, any file noting containing information exempt from disclosure under Section 8 of the Act should be excluded. This clarification is being issued as various ministries and departments have been seeking guidance on the matter. The memorandum is to be brought to the notice of all...