Right To Information And Other Acts
The Right to Information Act, 2005
✅ What is RTI?
The RTI Act gives every citizen of India the right to get information from any government office or public authority. You can ask questions, request records, and seek reasons for government decisions.
🏛️ Who can you ask?
You can ask for information from:
- Government departments (Central, State, and local)
- Panchayats and municipalities
- Government-run schools, hospitals, and offices
- NGOs or other bodies receiving government funds
📄 What kind of information can you ask for?
- Copies of government records, files, and reports
- Details of funds spent on schemes or works
- Criteria for government decisions (like giving contracts, jobs, benefits, etc.)
- Inspection of public works or official records
📝 How to Apply?
- Write your request on a plain sheet of paper or use a form (if available).
- Address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department.
- Mention your name, address, and information needed, and pay a small application fee (usually ₹10).
You can send it by post or submit it in person.
⏰ When will you get the information?
- The PIO must reply within 30 days.
- If the information concerns life or liberty, it must be given in 48 hours.
- If the information is denied, you can appeal.
🚫 When can information be denied?
Some sensitive information may not be shared if it:
- Affects national security
- Relates to personal privacy
- Is protected under special laws
But in most public matters, you have the right to know.
🧑🤝🧑 Why is RTI Important?
- Helps fight corruption
- Empowers citizens
- Promotes honest governance
- Ensures better delivery of services
Use RTI to stay informed and make the government accountable!
📥 Download Official RTI Act, 2005 PDF:
Panchayat Raj Act
The Village Panchayats and Zillah Panchayats in Goa are governed by the Goa Panchayat Raj Act 1994 and the Rules made there under. The main objective of the Panchayat is to promote the health, education, and economic well-being of the inhabitants of the Panchayat area. Panchayats are empowered to take all such steps necessary for carrying out the functions entrusted, assigned or delegated to it and in particular and without prejudice to the foregoing powers, to exercise all powers specified under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.
✅ What is Proactive Disclosure under the RTI Act?
Proactive Disclosure means that government departments must share certain information with the public regularly, without waiting for someone to ask for it under the RTI Act.
This helps increase transparency and reduces the need to file RTI applications for commonly needed information.
📄 What Information Must Be Disclosed Proactively?
According to Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act, every public authority must publish and update the following information:
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