Question Q16AssessGS2GS2
सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम, 2005 की प्रासंगिकता का आकलन कीजिए। Assess the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance in the last two decades. (Answer in 250 words)
Introduction
The RTI Act has been described as a cornerstone of democracy in India and promotes citizen oversight of public institutions.
20 words
Main Body
However it has shortfalls
1High processing delays upto 288 days per case make it hard to access information
2The CIC suffers from understaffing with only 2410 Information Commissioners currently appointed
3Access to information limited by clauses such as
Official Secrets Act
Blocked access by public day details
4Poor record keeping in institutions leading to rejection under 'information not in compiled form' clauses.
5Threat to life of RTI activists → 99 activists died till 2019
6Political conflicts of interest → Deputation staff in CIC is incentivized to protect their fellow departments from investigation
7Low enforceability → only 2% of RTI violations have been penalized.
However it also has outstanding achievements
1Information tool for public usage in cases such as 2G spectrum scan
2Checks undemocratic functioning in
citizen oversight and accountability
3Facilitates social audits through RTI → MGNREGA audit revealed Rs 650 crore discrepancy
4Serves as a tool for citizens to enquire about detailed functions and access documents
Hence the RTI Act has been hampered by some shortfalls but overall has promoted substantial citizen oversight of institutional proceedings.
— Varun Tokas · AIR 117
189 words13 paragraphs2 bullet points
Conclusion
Hence the RTI Act has been hampered by some shortfalls but overall has promoted substantial citizen oversight of institutional proceedings.
20 words
Examiner score
1.5/10Open original scan
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Topper
Varun Tokas
AIR 1172025
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Governance and Accountability
Right to Information
RTI Act 2005 - Implementation and Shortcomings
Writing Stats
229
Total words
13
Paragraphs
2
Bullets
analytical
Tone