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A Little know how
By this time, all of you must be impatient to know just how the RTI Act works, right? You should receive a reply to your query within a period of 30 days. And if the information is of special urgency, then the law provides a provision for response within 48 hours. If you are not satisfied with the performance of your Public Information Officer, you can appeal to a higher authority, the Information commissioners. The top most service provider in the RTI hierarchy is the Chief Information Commissioner. In any case, the burden of providing information and a penalty if unable to do so, is on the public authority.
RTI ACT The RTI Act is like a new born baby yet.. It can grow strong and powerful if it is given attention and nourishment (it feeds on applications for information, of course!), by the Indian citizens. Or remain neglected and weak. So it is upto us really. Are we mature enough to hold its hand and lead the way? A Whole World of Information Here are some of the front-runners: Sweden: It grasped the importance of openness in governance as early as 18th century. It has evolved four laws like four pillars. Oldest among these is the Freedom of Press Act, 1766. This includes the Principle for Publicity, which mandates that the people be given access to any government document they ask for. Information can be requested for and released orally. Amendments are underway now to provide information digitally too.  Australia: In 1982, the Freedom of Information Act was passed at the federal level of governance. It applied to all “ministers, departments and public authorities” of the Commonwealth. Also, each state drafted its own legislation. The neighbouring island nation of New Zealand had its Official Information Act in 1982. Denmark: It had in place its Access to Public Administration Files Act by 1985, which applied to all the public agencies. What is unique about Denmark, is that it extends its coverage to those who are in business of energy supply, whether public or private. The United States: It got its act together in 1966. But its influence is somewhat restricted by the presence of a Privacy Act that came into force in 1974. The European Union: It is the only inter-governmental organisation, till date, which has provided access to all its Parliament, Council and Commission documents to citizens of its member countries. |
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