Why in News: The RTI Act will mark its 20th anniversary in 2025, prompting a review of its impact and challenges.
Key Provisions:
- Allows citizens to request information from public authorities to ensure transparency.
- Establishes Information Commissions for appeals and oversight.
- Exempts sensitive information (Section 8).
Significance:
- Empowers citizens, enhances transparency, and exposes corruption (e.g., Adarsh Housing Scam).
Challenges:
- Vacancies, delays, and backlogs in Information Commissions (4 lakh pending appeals as of June 2024).
- Resistance from officials, ambiguities in exemptions, and lack of awareness.
Way Forward:
- Digitize records, recruit sufficient staff, and protect whistleblowers.
- Ensure rigorous training for officials to streamline RTI processes.
