RTI Act 2005 (125 MCQs for Self Test & Subjective Question with Answer)
1. RTI
Act 2005 came into force on
(a)
12 October 2005
(b)
15 August 2005
(c)
15 June 2005
(d)
1 November 2005
2.
Which of the following is not come under the definition of
'information'
under RTI Act 2005?
(a)
Log books
(b)
File notings
(c)
Data material held in any electronic form
(d)
Circulars
3.
The officer designated by the public authorities in all
administrative
units or offices under it to provide information to
the
citizens requesting for information under the Act is know as
(a)
Appellate Authority
(b)
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
(c)
Public Information Officer (PIO)
(d)
Assistant Public Information Officer
4.What
is the time limit to get the information under RTI Act 2005?
(a)
15 days
(b)
45 days
(c)
60 days
(d)
30 days
5.What
is the time limit to get the information concerning the life
and
liberty of a person?
(a)
48 hours
(b)
24 hours
(c)
5 days
(d)
10 days
6.If
the interests of a third party are involved in information
sought
for, the maximum time limit to get the information will be
(a)
30 days
(b)
40 days
(c)
45 days
(d)
60 days
7.If
information sought has been supplied by third party or is
treated
as confidential by that third party, the third party must be
given
a representation before the PIO in reply to the notice issued
to
him within ------ days from the date of receipt of such notice.
(a)
5 days
(b)
15 days
(c)
10 days
(d)
7 days
8.What
is the fee for getting information under RTI Act
(a)
Rs.20/-
(b)
Rs.50/-
(c)
Rs.100/-
(d)
Rs.10/-
9.
First appeal to the first appellate authority can be preferred by
the
applicant within -------- days from the expiry of the prescribed
time
limit or from the receipt of the decision from the PIO
(a)
30 days
(b)
45 dyas
(c)
60 days
(d)
90 days
10.First
Appeal shall be disposed of by the first appellate
authority
within ------ days from the date of its receipt.
(a)
40 days
(b)
30 days
(c)
60 days
(d)
50 days
11. Period for disposing first appeal can be expand by ------ days from 30
days if necessary
(a) 10 days
(b) 30 days
(c) 15 days
(d) 25 days
12. The long title of the RTI Act seeks to promote the following
qualities in the
working of every public authority:
(a) Transparency
(b) Punctuality
(c) Efficiency
(d) Reputation
13. Second appeal to the Central Information Commission/ the State
Information Commission can be preferred by the applicant within
------ days
from the date on which the decision was given or should have been
made by
the First Appellate Authority.
(a) 30 days
(b) 45 days
(c) 60 days
(d) 90 days
14. Appointment Committee of Central Chief Information
Commissioner (CIC)
includes
(a) Prime Minister
(b) Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
(c) One Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister
(d) All the above
15. Consider the following statements about the right to
information (RTI) Act,
2005 and select one which is not provided for or specially
exempted
(a) It is not applicable in the state of Jammu and Kashmir
(b) An applicant making request for information will have to give
reasons for
seeking information
(c) Removal of chief information officer
(d) Every information commissioner shall hold office for a term of 5
years or till the
age of 65 years whichever is earlier.
16. The RTI Act gives right to seek information from the
following:
(a) private companies
(b) MNCs
(c) public authorities
(d) associations
17. Central Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) is appointed by
(a) President
(b) Vice President
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Home Minister
18. Under RTI Act, the grounds for a complaint could be
(i) being asked to pay an unreasonable amount of fee.
(ii) being given incomplete or false information.
(iii) any matter relating to requesting or obtaining access to
records.
Select the correct code
(a) All (i), (ii) & (iii)
(b) Only (i) & (iii)
(c) Only (ii) & (iii)
(d) Only (iii)
19. Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) shall be appointed for a
term of -----
-years from date on which he enters upon his office or till he
attains the age
of -------- years, whichever is earlier
(a) 6 yeras / 66 yeras
(b) 5 yeras/ 70 yeras
(c) 5 years / 65 years
(d) 5 years /60 years
20. Section 4 (1) (b) (xi) of RTI Act states that a public
authority should
publish:
(a) The budget allocated to each of its agency
(b) Proposed expenditures
(c) Reports on disbursements made
(d) All the above
21. RTI Act 2005 comes into force after ---------- day of its
enactment
(a) 120
(b) 75
(c) 100
(d) 125
22. RTI Act 2005 enacted on
(a) 2nd October 2005
(b) 15th June, 2005
(c) 15th August 2005
(d) 26th January 2005
23. Which section of RTI Act 2005 deals with 'obligations of
public
authorities'
(a) Section 6
(b) Section 7
(c) Section 4(1)
(d) Section 8
24. Which section of RTI Act 2005 deals with 'constitution of Central
Information Commission'
(a) Section 11
(b) Section 16
(c) Section 14 and 15
(d) Section 12 and 13
25.The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of .
(a) Jammu and Kashmir
(b) Sikkim
(c) North Eastern area
(d) Andaman & Nicobar island
26. "How much time does an APIO, at the most , have to
forward an RTI
application/appeal to the Public Information Officer/First
Appellate Authority
"
(a) 30 days
(b) 5 days
(c) 35 days
(d) 48 hours.
27. "There is an upper limit for the number of PIOs and APIOs
to be appointed
by a Public Authority (PA) as per the `RTI Act, 2005`."
(a) Yes.
(b) "No. There is no such limit, whatsoever, as per the `RTI Act,
2005`"
(c) "Yes, but only for State PAs."
(d) "Yes, because, the number of PIOs should be in a definite
proportion to the
total number of APIOs."
28. Right to information includes the right to obtaining
information in the
form of:
(a) Diskettes
(b) Floppies
(c) Tapes
(d) All the above
29. The Preamble argues that revelation of information in actual
practice is
likely to conflict with:
(a) Other private interests
(b) Other financial interests
(c) Other public interests
(d) None of the above
30. The Preamble to the RTI Act states that transparency of
information is
vital to:
(a) Eradicate corruption
(b) Contain corruption
(c) Promote corruption
(d) Measure corruption
31. Right to Information includes the right to
(i) inspect works, documents, records
(ii) take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or
records
(iii) take certified samples of material
(iv) obtain information in form of printouts, diskettes, floppies,
tapes, video
cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through printouts
Chose the correct answer from the codes given below
(a) i, ii & iii
(b) i, ii & iv
(c) i, iii & iv
(d) i, ii, iii & iv
32. The obligations of public authorities under RTI Act 2005
includes?
(i) It shall publish the powers and duties of its officers and
employees
(ii) It shall publish the procedure followed in its decision
making process, including
channels of supervision and accountability
(iii) It shall publish the norms set by it for the discharge of
its functions
(iv) It shall publish the rules, regulations, instructions,
manuals and records used
by its employees for discharging its functions
(v) It shall not publish the statement of the categories of the
documents held by it
or under its control;
Chose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) i, ii, iii & v
(b) i, iii, iv & v
(c) i, ii, iii & iv
(d) i, ii, iii, iv & v
33. What are the information not open to disclosure under RTI Act
2005 ?
(i) disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty
and integrity
of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic
interests of the State,
relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence
(ii) information which has been expressly forbidden to be
published by any court of
law or tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute contempt
of court
(iii) information, the disclosure of which would cause a breach of
privilege of
Parliament or the State Legislature
(iv) information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or
intellectual
property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive
position of a third
party, unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger
public interest
warrants the disclosure of such information
Chose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) i, ii & iii
(b) i, ii & iv
(c) i, iii & iv
(d) i, ii, iii & iv
34. Which Section of RTI Act deals with 'exemption from disclosure
of
information'.
(a) Section 8
(b) Section 9
(c) Section 11
(d) Section 7
35. Under which Section, a Central/State Public Information
Officer may reject
a request for information where such a request for providing
access would
involve an infringement of copyright subsisting in a person other
than the
State.
(a) Section 8
(b) Section 9
(c) Section 10
(d) Section 11
36. "The definition of "information" under Section
2 (f) includes:"
(a) Records
(b) Opinions
(c) Documents
(d) All the above
37. Asst. Public Information Officer (APIO) has to forward first
appeals to:
(a) Public Information Officer (PIO)
(b) The head of the authority
(c) First Appellate Authority
(d) None of the above
38. "The `RTI Act, 2005` stipulates that a Public Authority
should transfer an
RTI application or a part thereof to another Public Authority if
the
application or a part of it pertains to information"
(a) held by another Public Authority
(b) the subject matter of which is more closely connected with the
functions of
another Public Authority
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
39. Time limit for disposal of first appeal by the first appellate
authority:
(a) 10 - 15 days
(b) 30 - 45 days
(c) 50 - 65 days
(d) 70 - 90 days
40. Asst. Public Information Officer (APIO) has to receive the
following from
the citizens:
(a) Applications for information
(b) First appeals
(c) Second appeals
(d) All the above
41. Which section deals with Severability of the RTI Act
(a) Section 11
(b) Section 9
(c) Section 10
(d) Section 12
42. As per Section 2(h) "public authority" means any
authority or body or
institution of self-government established or constituted
(i) by or under the Constitution;
(ii) by any other law made by Parliament;
(iii) by any other law made by State Legislature;
(iv) by notification issued or order made by the appropriate
Government,
Chose the correct answer from the codes given below
(a) i, ii & iii
(b) i, ii & iv
(c) i, iii & iv
(d) i, ii, iii & iv
43. RTI Act is not applicable to
(a) All non-Government organisation substantially financed by politicl
parties
(b) All body owned, controlled or substantially financed by the
appropriate
Government
(c) All non-Government organisation substantially financed by the
appropriate
Government
(d) All the above
44. As per Section 2(i) "record" includes
(a) any document, manuscript and file;
(b) any microfilm, microfiche and facsimile copy of a document;
(c) any reproduction of image or images embodied in such microfilm
(d) any other material produced by a computer or any other device
Chose the correct answer from the codes given below
(a) i, ii & iii
(b) i, ii & iv
(c) i, iii & iv
(d) i, ii, iii & iv
45. Which of the following are true about an inquiry carried out
by an
Information Commission?
(i) It may examine any record to which the `RTI Act, 2005`
applies.
(ii) No such record can be withheld from it (irrespective of any
provision of any Act
passed by the Parliament or the State Legislature).
(iii) IC has the powers of a Civil Court trying a suit under the
Code of Civil
Procedure."
Chose the correct answer from the codes given below
(a) Only (ii) & (i)
(b) Only (i) & (iii)
(c) Only (iii) & (ii)
(d) All (i), (ii) & (iii)
46. The `RTI Act, 2005` stipulates that a Public Authority should
transfer an
RTI application or a part thereof to another Public Authority if
the
application or a part of it pertains to information"
(a) held by another Public Authority
(b) the subject matter of which is more closely connected with the
functions of
another Public Authority
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
47. How many countries in the world have Freedom of Information or
Right to
Information legislations / regimes?
(a) None
(b) All
(c) Less than a dozen
(d) Over 80
48. "Who receives applications under the `RTI Act,
2005`?"
(a) Public Information Officer at the administrative unit level.
(b) Assistant Public Information Officer at the sub-district,
sub-divisional levels
(c) Any officer of a Public Authority who is available in the
Authority`s office when
the application is made.
(d) Only (a) and (b)
49. An applicant making request for information
(a) shall be given the reason why the information sought for
(b) shall be given the personal details of the applicant
(c) shall not be given any reason for requesting the information or any
other
personal details except those that may be necessary for contacting
him.
(d) None of these
50. Under RTI Act, the language of an application may be in
(a) English
(b) Hindi
(c) Regional language
(d) All the above
51.Which was the first country in the World to have enacted
a legislation for providing for citizens` RTI?
(a) Sweden
(b) Norway
(c) England
(d) France
52. The first Indian state that introduce the a law on RTI was
(a) Tamilnadu
(b) U.P
(c) Maharastra
(d) Gujarat
53. How many types of 'Public Authorities' are there?
(a) Central Public Authorities
(b) State Public Authorities
(c) Both
(d) None of the above
54. The time limit specified in the `RTI Act, 2005` for the
Central / State
Information Commissions to decide on complaints is
(a) 15 days
(b) One Month
(c) Two Months
(d) No such time limit has been specified.
55. How could a Public Information Officer receive applications?
1.Which was the first country in the World to have enacted
a legislation for providing for citizens` RTI?
(i) Those submitted by a requester in hand.
(ii) Those sent by an applicant by E-Mail.
(iii) Transferred by another Public Authority.
(iv) Forwarded by an Assistant Public Information Officer.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) i, ii & iii
(b) i, iii & iv
(c) i, ii & iv
(d) i, ii, iii & iv
56. A first appeal against the decision of a PIO can be preferred
by
(a) An Applicant
(b) A person from within the Public Authority.
(c) A person outside the Public Authority to whom the information
pertains
(d) All
57. A Public Information Officer will be liable to be imposed a
monetary
penalty for
(a) refusal to receive an information application.
(b) not providing information within specified time limits
(c) destroying information.
(d) All of them
58. "While inquiring into a complaint, Information
Commissions have the
power to
i) summon and enforce attendance of persons.
ii) compel them to give evidence on oath and produce documents or
things.
iii) Require discovery and inspection of documents."
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) Only i)
(b) Only ii)
(c) All i), ii) & iii)
(d) Only iii).
59. Which of the following are true?
(a) A PIO has to offer reasonable assistance to an applicant to reduce
an oral
application into writing
(b) A PIO is under no obligation to provide requested information to
non-BPL
category persons without the payment of application / initial
fees.
(c) A PIO is under no obligation to provide the requested information
to non-BPL
category persons without the payment of further fees as specified
by her / him.
(d) All are true.
60. Time limit for filing first appeal by a requester under
sub-section (1) of
Section 19 is:
(a) 10 days from the receipt of PIOs decision
(b) 30 days from the receipt of PIOs decision
(c) 40 days from the receipt of PIOs decision
(d) 45 days from the receipt of PIOs decision
61. How many schedules does the `RTI Act, 2005` have?
(a) 5
(b) 10
(c) 2
(d) 8
62. The Second Schedule of the RTI Act, 2005 lists
(a) The intelligence and security organizations established by the
Central
Government that are exempted from the purview of the `RTI Act,
2005
(b) All the Govt. organitions come under the purview of RTI Act
(c) All Departmental information of Central and State
(d) None of the above
63. The Second Schedule of the RTI Act, 2005 can be amended by
(a) Central Govt
(b) State Govt
(c) Both
(d) None
64. According to the `RTI Act, 2005`, as far as exempted
organizations are
concerned, the exemption applies to
(a) Certain organizations of the Central Government as listed in the
2nd Schedule
and to the information submitted by these organizations to this
Government.
(b) Certain organizations of the State Governments as may be notified
by them in
the Official Gazette, but NOT to the information furnished by
these organisations
to the respective State Governments.
(c) Both (a) & (b)
(d) None of the above
65. While inquiring into a complaint, Information Commissions have
the
power to
(a) Receive evidence on affidavit.
(b) Requisition record or copies thereof from any court or office.
(c) Issue summons for examination of witnesses or documents.
(d) All of them
66. Indian citizens have the right to information because of
(a) Judgment of Supreme Court
(b) Implementation of International Laws by Indian Government
(c) All states adopted agree to implement the Act
(d) A law passed by the Parliament of India.
67. Rules can be made by Appropriate Governments or Competent
Authorities by notifying the rules:
(a) in the Official Gazette
(b) by publishing them on the website of the Appropriate Government.
(c) by publishing them on the websites of Information Commissions - as
applicable
(d) None of the above
68. If a Public Information Officer (PIO) reasonably severs non-exempted
portions of a record from exempted portions, and partially
provides
information to an applicant, he/she has to
i) Give the name and designation of the person giving the
decision.
ii) Reasons for the decision.
iii) Details of fees the applicant may have to pay
iv) applicants rights for a review of the decision.
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) i, ii & iii
(b) i, iii & iv
(c) i, ii & iv
(d) i, ii, iii & iv
69. What is the time span mentioned in the `RTI Act, 2005` for
making orders
for removing difficulties in giving effect to the provisions of
the `RTI Act,
2005`?
(a) 2 years from the commencement of the Act.
(b) 1 years from the commencement of the Act
(c) 3 years from the commencement of the Act
(d) 4 years from the commencement of the Act
70. For the PIO to disclose certain information, the Competent
Authority
should be satisfied that larger public interest warrants its
disclosure. This
information pertains to
(i) commercial confidence.
(ii) trade secrets.
(iii) intellectual property.
(iv) information available to a person in his fiduciary
relationship
Choose the correct answer from the following codes:
(a) i, ii & iii
(b) i, iii & iv
(c) i, ii & iv
(d) i, ii, iii & iv
71.Which was the first country in the
World to have enacted a legislation
for providing for citizens` RTI?
Ans: Sweden did so as far back as in
December 1766.
72. The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights recognises FOI as a part of Freedom of Expression, which
is a Fundamental Human Right.
A) Correct b) False
Ans : Correct
73. FOI / RTI laws are also referred to
as “open-government laws” and “sunshine laws”
A) Correct b) False
Ans : Correct
74. The first State to introduce the a
law on RTI was
A) Tamilnadu b) U.P C) Maharastra D)
Gujarat
Correct. Tamil Nadu did so in April 1996
75. Which was the State in which local
authorities started providing people access to certain information
related to the `Public Distribution
System` (PDS) even before the State Assembly introduced / passed an
RTI Act?
A) West Bengal b) Rajasthan C) Madya
Pradesh D) Kerala
Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh: It happened
in Madhya Pradesh in certain places like Bilaspur and
Korba. This was before the State of
Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in November
2000. The Madhya Pradesh Assembly passed
the RTI Act in 2002
76. The `Right to Information Act, 2005`
came into full force on
a) 2nd October 2005 b) 12th October, 2005.
C) 5th Sept 2005 d) 25th August 2005
Answer: B. 12th October, 2005
77. How many schedules does the `RTI
Act, 2005` have?
A) 5 b) 10 C) 2 D) 8
Correct Answer: C
78. Indian citizens have the right to
information because of
a) Judgment of Supreme Court
b) Implementation of International Laws
by Indian Government
C) All states adopted agree to implement
the Act
d) a law passed by the Parliament of
India.
Correct Answer: D
79. Rules can be made by Appropriate
Governments or Competent Authorities by notifying the rules:
a) in the Official Gazette
bi) by publishing them on the website of
the Appropriate Government.
C) by publishing them on the websites of
Information Commissions – as applicable.
Answer: A.
80. For the PIO to disclose certain information,
the Competent Authority should be satisfied that larger
public interest warrants its disclosure.
This information pertains to
a) commercial confidence.
b) trade secrets.
c) intellectual property.
d) information available to a person in
his fiduciary relationship
e) All of the above
Ans: e
81. How many TYPES of `Public
Authorities` are there?
A) Central Public Authorities b) State
Public Authorities. C) Both
Ans: C
82. The time limit specified in the `RTI
Act, 2005` for the Central / State Information Commissions to
decide on complaints is
a) 15 days b) One Month C) Two Months d)
No such time limit has been specified.
Ans: D
83. How could a Public Information
Officer receive applications?
a) Those submitted by a requester in
hand.
b) Those sent by an applicant by E-Mail.
c) Transferred by another Public
Authority.
d) Forwarded by an Assistant Public
Information Officer.
e) All of them
Ans: e
13. “Deemed refusal” under the `RTI Act,
2005` is
A) failure on a PIO`s part to provide
information within the specified time limits.
84. A first appeal against the decision
of a PIO can be preferred by
a) An Applicant
b) A person from within the Public
Authority.
c) A person outside the Public Authority
to whom the information pertains
D. All
Ans: D
85. The First Appellate Authority should
decide on first appeals
a) Within 30 days from the receipt of
the first appeals.
b) In less number of days that the PIO
concerned took to take a decision on the application.
c) Within 45 days from the date of
receipt of the appeal, if the reasons are recorded.
Ans: A&C
86. While inquiring into a complaint,
Information Commissions have the power to
a) Receive evidence on affidavit.
b) Requisition record or copies thereof
from any court or office.
c) Issue summons for examination of
witnesses or documents.
D. All of them
Ans: D
87. A Public Information Officer will be
liable to be imposed a monetary penalty for
ai) refusal to receive an information
application.
b) not providing information within
specified time limits.
c) destroying information.
D) All of them
Ans: D
88. Consider the following. A PIO:
a) Malafidely denies information.
b) Obstructed furnishing information.
c) Knowingly gave incorrect, incomplete
or misleading information. For which of these actions can he /
she be penalized by an Information
Commission.
D) All of these
Ans: D
89. PIO should disclose information
exempted in S. 8(1) if public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm
to the protected interests.
a) Yes b) No C) None D) Yes
Ans : D
90. If a PIO reasonably severs
non-exempted portions of a record from exempted portions, and partially
provides information to an applicant, he
/ she has to
a) Give the name and designation of the
person giving the decision. b) Reasons for the decision.
c) Details of fees the applicant may
have to pay D) applicants rights for a review of the decision.
E) All of them
Ans: E
91. The Second Schedule of the RTI Act,
2005 lists
A. the intelligence and security
organizations established by the Central Government that are exempted
from the purview of the `RTI Act, 2005
B. All Departmental information of
Central and State
C. None
Ans: A
92. The Second Schedule of the RTI Act,
2005 can be amended by
A. Central Govt B) State C) Both D) None
Ans: A
93. According to the `RTI Act, 2005`, as
far as exempted organizations are concerned, the exemption
applies to
a) Certain organizations of the Central
Government as listed in the 2nd Schedule and to the information
submitted by these organizations to this
Government.
b) Certain organizations of the State
Governments as may be notified by them in the Official Gazette, but
NOT to the information furnished by
these organisations to the respective State Governments.
C) Both
Ans: C
94. What is the time span mentioned in
the `RTI Act, 2005` for making orders for removing difficulties in
giving effect to the provisions of the
`RTI Act, 2005`?
A) 2 years from the commencement of the
Act.
B) 1 years from the commencement of the
Act.
C) 3 years from the commencement of the
Act.
D) 4 years from the commencement of the
Act.
Ans: A
95. When
does RTI 2005 come into force?
It comes into force on the 12th October, 2005 (120th
day of its enactment on 15th June, 2005). Some provisions have come into force
with immediate effect viz. obligations of public authorities [S.4(1)],
designation of Public Information Officers and Assistant Public Information
Officers[S.5(1) and 5(2)], constitution of Central Information Commission (S.12
and 13), constitution of State Information Commission (S.15 and 16),
non-applicability of the Act to Intelligence and Security Organizations (S.24)
and power to make rules to carry out the provisions of the Act (S.27 and 28).
96. Who is covered?
The Act extends to the whole of India except the State
of Jammu and Kashmir. [S.(12)]
97 What does information mean?
Information means any material in any form including
records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases,
circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data
material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private
body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the
time being in force[S.2(f)].
98. What does Right to Information mean?
It includes the right to -
i.
inspect works, documents, records.
ii.
take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents
or records.
iii.
take certified samples of material.
iv.
obtain information in form of printouts, diskettes,
floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through
printouts.[S.2(j)]
99. What are the obligations of public authority?
It shall publish within one hundred and twenty days of the enactment:-
i.
the particulars of its organization, functions and
duties;
ii.
the powers and duties of its officers and employees;
iii.
the procedure followed in its decision making process,
including channels of supervision and accountability;
iv.
the norms set by it for the discharge of its
functions;
v.
the rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and
records used by its employees for discharging its functions;
vi.
a statement of the categories of the documents held by
it or under its control;
vii.
the particulars of any arrangement that exists for
consultation with, or representation by the members of the public, in relation
to the formulation of policy or implementation thereof;
viii.
a statement of the boards, councils, committees and
other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted by it. Additionally,
information as to whether the meetings of these are open to the public, or the minutes'
of such meetings are accessible to the public;
ix.
a directory of its officers and employees;
x.
the monthly remuneration received by each of its
officers and employees, including the system of compensation as provided in its
regulations;
xi.
the budget allocated to each of its agency, indicating
the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on
disbursements made;
xii.
the manner of execution of subsidy programmes,
including the amounts allocated and the details and beneficiaries of such
programmes;
xiii.
particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or
authorizations granted by it;
xiv.
details of the information available to, or held by
it, reduced in an electronic form;
xv.
the particulars of facilities available to citizens
for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library or reading
room, if maintained for public use;
xvi.
the names, designations and other particulars of the
Public Information Officers.[S.4(1)(b)]
100. What is not open to disclosure?
The following is exempt from disclosure [S.8)]
- information, disclosure of which would
prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security,
strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with
foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence
- information which has been expressly forbidden to
be published by any court of law or tribunal or the disclosure of which
may constitute contempt of court;
- information, the disclosure of which would cause
a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature;
- information including commercial confidence,
trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm
the competitive position of a third party, unless the competent authority
is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such
information;
- information available to a person in his
fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that
the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information;
- information received in confidence from foreign
Government;
- information, the disclosure of which would
endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source
of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or
security purposes;
- information which would impede the process of
investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders;
- cabinet papers including records of deliberations
of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers;
- information which relates to personal information
the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or
interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the
individual;
- Notwithstanding any of the exemptions listed
above, a public authority may allow access to information, if public interest
in disclosure outweighs the harm to the protected interests.
101. Is partial
disclosure allowed?
Only that part of the record which does not contain
any information which is exempt from disclosure and which can reasonably be
severed from any part that contains exempt information, may be provided. [S.10]
102. What does a
"public authority" mean?
It means any authority or body or institution of
self-government established or constituted: [S.2(h)]
- by or under the Constitution;
- by any other law made by Parliament;
- by any other law made by State Legislature;
- by notification issued or order made by the
appropriate Government.and includes any-
- body owned, controlled or substantially financed
- non-Government organization substantially
financed directly or indirectly by the appropriate Government.
103. Who is
excluded?
Central Intelligence and Security
agencies specified in the Second Schedule like IB, R&AW, Directorate of
Revenue Intelligence, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of
Enforcement, Narcotics Control Bureau, Aviation Research Centre, Special
Frontier Force, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles, Special Service
Bureau, Special Branch (CID), Andaman and Nicobar, The Crime Branch-CID-CB,
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Special Branch, Lakshadweep Police. Agencies
specified by the State Governments through a Notification will also be
excluded. The exclusion, however, is not absolute and these organizations have
an obligation to provide information pertaining to allegations of corruption
and human rights violations. Further, information relating to allegations of
human rights violations could be given but only with the approval of the
Central or State Information Commission, as the case may be. [S.24)]
104. Who are
'Third Parties'?
A third party means a person other than the citizen
making a request for information and includes a public authority. Third parties
have a right to be heard in respect of applications and appeals dealing with
information submitted by them to the Government in confidence. [S.2(n) and
S.11]
105. Who are
Public Information Officers (PIOs)?
PIOs are officers designated by the public authorities in all
administrative units or offices under it to provide information to the citizens
requesting for information under the Act. Any officer, whose assistance has
been sought by the PIO for the proper discharge of his or her duties, shall
render all assistance and for the purpose of contraventions of the provisions
of this Act, such other officer shall be treated as a PIO.
106. What are the
duties of a PIO?
- PIO shall deal with requests from persons seeking
information and where the request cannot be made in writing, to render
reasonable assistance to the person to reduce the same in writing.
- If the information requested for is held by or
its subject matter is closely connected with the function of another
public authority, the PIO shall transfer, within 5 days, the request to
that other public authority and inform the applicant immediately.
- PIO may seek the assistance of any other officer
for the proper discharge of his/her duties.
- PIO, on receipt of a request, shall as
expeditiously as possible, and in any case within 30 days of the receipt
of the request, either provide the information on payment of such fee as
may be prescribed or reject the request for any of the reasons specified
in S.8 or S.9.
- Where the information requested for concerns the
life or liberty of a person, the same shall be provided within forty-eight
hours of the receipt of the request.
- If the PIO fails to give decision on the request
within the period specified, he shall be deemed to have refused the
request.
- Where a request has been rejected, the PIO shall
communicate to the requester - (i) the reasons for such rejection, (ii)
the period within which an appeal against such rejection may be preferred,
and (iii) the particulars of the Appellate Authority.
- PIO shall provide information in the form in
which it is sought unless it would disproportionately divert the resources
of the Public Authority or would be detrimental to the safety or
preservation of the record in question.
- If allowing partial access, the PIO shall give a
notice to the applicant, informing:
a.
that only part of the record requested, after
severance of the record containing information which is exempt from disclosure,
is being provided;
b.
the reasons for the decision, including any findings
on any material question of fact, referring to the material on which those
findings were based;
c.
the name and designation of the person giving the
decision;
d.
the details of the fees calculated by him or her and
the amount of fee which the applicant is required to deposit; and
e.
his or her rights with respect to review of the
decision regarding non-disclosure of part of the information, the amount of fee
charged or the form of access provided.
·
If information sought has been supplied by third party
or is treated as confidential by that third party, the PIO shall give a written
notice to the third party within 5 days from the receipt of the request and
take its representation into consideration.
- Third party must be given a chance to make a
representation before the PIO within 10 days from the date of receipt of
such notice.
107. What is the Application Procedure for
requesting information?
- Apply in writing or through electronic means in
English or Hindi or in the official language of the area, to the PIO,
specifying the particulars of the information sought for.
- Reason for seeking information are not required
to be given;
- Pay fees as may be prescribed (if not belonging
to the below poverty line category).
108. What is the
time limit to get the information?
- 30 days from the date of application
- 48 hours for information concerning the life and
liberty of a person
- 5 days shall be added to the above response time,
in case the application for information is given to Assistant Public
Information Officer.
- If the interests of a third party are involved
then time limit will be 40 days (maximum period + time given to the party
to make representation).
- Failure to provide information within the
specified period is a deemed refusal.
109. What is the
fee?
- Application fees to be prescribed which must be
reasonable.
- If further fees are required, then the same must
be intimated in writing with calculation details of how the figure was
arrived at;
- Applicant can seek review of the decision on fees
charged by the PIO by applying to the appropriate Appellate Authority;
- No fees will be charged from people living below
the poverty line
- Applicant must be provided information free of
cost if the PIO fails to comply with the prescribed time limit.
110. What could be
the ground for rejection?
- If it is covered by exemption from disclosure.
(S.8)
- If it infringes copyright of any person other
than the State. (S.9)
111. Who are the Appellate Authorities?
- First Appeal: First appeal to the officer senior
in rank to the PIO in the concerned Public Authority within 30 days from
the expiry of the prescribed time limit or from the receipt of the
decision (delay may be condoned by the Appellate Authority if sufficient
cause is shown).
- Second Appeal: Second appeal to the Central
Information Commission or the State Information Commission as the case may
be, within 90 days of the date on which the decision was given or should have
been made by the First Appellate Authority. (delay may be condoned by the
Commission if sufficient cause is shown).
- Third Party appeal against PIO's decision must be
filed within 30 days before first Appellate Authority; and, within 90 days
of the decision on the first appeal, before the appropriate Information
Commission which is the second appellate authority.
- Burden of proving that denial of Information was
justified lies with the PIO.
- First Appeal shall be disposed of within 30 days
from the date of its receipt. Period extendable by 15 days if necessary.
(S.19)
112. How is Central Information Commission
constituted?
- Central Information Commission to be constituted
by the Central Government through a Gazette Notification.
- Commission includes 1 Chief Information
Commissioner (CIC) and not more than 10 Information Commissioners (IC) who
will be appointed by the President of India.
- Oath of Office will be administered by the
President of India according to the form set out in the First
Schedule.
- Commission shall have its Headquarters in Delhi.
Other offices may be established in other parts of the country with the
approval of the Central Government.
- Commission will exercise its powers without being
subjected to directions by any other authority. (S.12)
113. What is the
eligibility criteria and what is the process of appointment of CIC/IC?
- Candidates for CIC/IC must be persons of eminence
in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and
technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or
administration and governance.
- CIC/IC shall not be a Member of Parliament or
Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory. He shall not
hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or
carrying on any business or pursuing any profession. (S.12)
- Appointment Committee includes Prime Minister
(Chair), Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and one Union Cabinet
Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.
114. What is the
term of office and other service conditions of CIC?
- CIC shall be appointed for a term of 5 years from
date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of 65
years, whichever is earlier.
- CIC is not eligible for reappointment.
- Salary will be the same as that of the Chief
Election Commissioner. This will not be varied to the disadvantage of the
CIC during service. (S.13)
115. What is the
term of office and other service conditions of IC?
- IC shall hold office for a term of five years
from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the
age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier and shall not be eligible
for reappointment as IC.
- Salary will be the same as that of the Election
Commissioner. This will not be varied to the disadvantage of the IC during
service.
- IC is eligible for appointment as CIC but will
not hold office for more than a total of five years including his/her term
as IC. (S.13)
116. How is the State Information Commission
constituted?
- The State Information Commission will be
constituted by the State Government through a Gazette notification. It
will have one State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and not more
than 10 State Information Commissioners (SIC) to be appointed by the
Governor.
- Oath of office will be administered by the
Governor according to the form set out in the First Schedule.
- The headquarters of the State Information
Commission shall be at such place as the State Government may specify.
Other offices may be established in other parts of the State with the
approval of the State Government.
- The Commission will exercise its powers without
being subjected to any other authority.
117. What is the
eligibility criterion and what is the process of appointment of State Chief
Information Commissioner/State Information Commissioners?
The Appointments Committee will be headed by the Chief
Minister. Other members include the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative
Assembly and one Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister.
The qualifications for appointment as SCIC/SIC shall
be the same as that for Central Commissioners.
The salary of the State Chief Information Commissioner
will be the same as that of an Election Commissioner. The salary of the State
Information Commissioner will be the same as that of the Chief Secretary of the
State Government. (S.15)
118. What are the powers and functions of
Information Commissions?
- The Central Information Commission/State
Information Commission has a duty to receive complaints from any person -
a) who has not been able to submit an information
request because a PIO has not been appointed ;
b)who has been refused information that was
requested;
c) who has received no response to his/her
information request within the specified time limits ;
d) who thinks the fees charged are
unreasonable ;
e)who thinks information given is incomplete or false
or misleading ;and
f) any other matter relating to obtaining
information under this law.
- Power to order inquiry if there are reasonable
grounds.
- CIC/SCIC will have powers of Civil Court such as
-
a) summoning and enforcing attendance of persons,
compelling them to give oral or written evidence on oath and to produce
documents or things;
b)requiring the discovery and inspection of
documents;
c) receiving evidence on affidavit ;
d) requisitioning public records or copies
from any court or office
e)issuing summons for examination of witnesses or
documents
f) any other matter which may be
prescribed.
- All records covered by this law (including those
covered by exemptions) must be given to CIC/SCIC during inquiry for
examination.
- Power to secure compliance of its decisions from
the Public Authority includes-
a) providing access to information in a
particular form;
b)directing the public authority to appoint a PIO/APIO
where none exists;
c) publishing information or categories of
information;
d) making necessary changes to the practices
relating to management, maintenance and destruction of records ;
e)enhancing training provision for officials on RTI;
f) seeking an annual report from the public
authority on compliance with this law;
g) require it to compensate for any loss or other
detriment suffered by the applicant ;
h) impose penalties under this law; or
i) reject the application. (S.18 and S.19)
119. What is the
reporting procedure?
- Central Information Commission will send an
annual report to the Central Government on the implementation of the
provisions of this law at the end of the year. The State Information
Commission will send a report to the State Government .
- Each Ministry has a duty to compile reports from
its Public Authorities and send them to the Central Information Commission
or State Information Commission, as the case may be.
- Each report will contain details of number of
requests received by each Public Authority, number of rejections and
appeals, particulars of any disciplinary action taken, amount of fees and
charges collected etc.
- Central Government will table the Central
Information Commission report before Parliament after the end of each year.
The concerned State Government will table the report of the State
Information Commission before the Vidhan Sabha (and the Vidhan Parishad
wherever applicable). (S.25)
120. What are the
penalty provisions?
Every PIO will be liable for fine of Rs. 250 per day,
up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/-, for –
i.
not accepting an application;
ii.
delaying information release without reasonable cause;
iii.
malafidely denying information;
iv.
knowingly giving incomplete, incorrect, misleading
information;
v.
destroying information that has been requested and
vi.
obstructing furnishing of information in any manner.
The Information Commission (IC) at the Centre and the
State levels will have the power to impose this penalty. The Information Commission
can also recommend disciplinary action for violation of the law against an
erring PIO. (S.20)
121. What is the
jurisdiction of courts?
Lower Courts are barred from entertaining suits or
applications against any order made under this Act. (S.23) However, the writ
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts under Articles 32 and 225 of
the Constitution remains unaffected.
122. What is the
role of Central/State Governments?
- Develop educational programmes for the public
especially disadvantaged communities on RTI.
- Encourage Public Authorities to participate in
the development and organization of such programmes.
- Promote timely dissemination of accurate
information to the public.
- Train officers and develop training materials.
- Compile and disseminate a User Guide for the
public in the respective official language.
- Publish names, designation postal addresses and
contact details of PIOs and other information such as notices regarding
fees to be paid, remedies available in law if request is rejected etc.
(S.26)
123. Who has the
Rule making power?
Central Government, State Governments and the
Competent Authority as defined in S.2(e) are vested with powers to make rules
to carry out the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005. (S.27 &
S.28)
124. Who has the
power to deal with the difficulties while implementing this act?
If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions in the Act, the Central Government may, by Order published in the Official Gazette, make provisions necessary/expedient for removing the difficulty. (S.30)
125. SALIENT FEATURES OF THE
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005
The Act
extends to the whole of India except Jammu & Kashmir.
·
It provides a very definite day for its commencement i.e. 120 days
from enactment.
·
It shall apply to Public Authorities.
·
All citizens shall have the right to information, subject to
provisions of the Act.
·
The Public Information Officers/Assistant Public Information
Officers will be responsible to deal with the requests for information and also
to assist persons seeking information.
·
Fee will be payable by the applicant depending on the nature of
information sought.
·
Certain categories of information have been exempted from
disclosure under Section 8 and 9 of the Act.
·
Intelligence and security agencies specified in Schedule II to the
Act have been exempted from the ambit of the Act, subject to certain
conditions.
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