Context:
The rejection rate of RTI applications declined to 3.26% in 2024–25, indicating improved transparency and administrative responsiveness in governance.
Key Highlights:
- Improved RTI Performance
- Rejection rate reduced to 3.26%, reflecting better compliance.
- Signals improved functioning of Public Information Officers (PIOs).
- Appeal Mechanism Strengthened
- Applicants can appeal to the Central Information Commission (CIC):
- If no response within prescribed time.
- If dissatisfied with the response.
- Government Statement
- Highlighted by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
- Governance Implications
- Lower rejection rates indicate enhanced transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005:
- Enables citizens to access information from public authorities.
- Mandates response within 30 days (48 hours in life-threatening cases).
- Public Information Officer (PIO):
- Responsible for providing information under RTI.
- Central Information Commission (CIC):
- Statutory body established under RTI Act.
- Hears appeals and complaints regarding information access.
- Grounds for Rejection (Section 8 & 9):
- National security, sovereignty, trade secrets, etc.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Strengthening Democratic Governance:
- RTI promotes participatory democracy and citizen oversight.
- Acts as a tool against corruption and maladministration.
- Administrative Efficiency:
- Reduced rejection rates reflect improved record management and responsiveness.
- Enhances trust between citizens and government institutions.
- Challenges Persist:
- Delays in responses and pendency of appeals.
- Instances of misuse or frivolous RTI applications.
- Threats faced by RTI activists.
- Institutional Concerns:
- Vacancies and backlog in CIC and State Information Commissions.
- Dilution concerns post RTI Amendment Act, 2019 affecting independence.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen digital RTI platforms for faster processing.
- Fill vacancies in Information Commissions.
- Ensure proactive disclosure under Section 4.
- Protect RTI activists through legal safeguards.
- Promote awareness and capacity building among officials.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 2 – Governance, Transparency & Accountability
• Prelims – RTI Act Provisions, CIC, PIO Roles