7 – Democracy and RTI.
Strengthening Democracy: The Role of the RTI Act in India
Objectives of the Right to Information Act 2005
The RTI Act holds great importance which is rightly explained through these objectives :
The main objective of the RTI Act is to provide the public with information. It works
as a means of communication between the government and citizens, thereby giving
them the right to get information on the workings of the government and the public
entities.
To create transparency between the government and the country’s citizens.
To ensure the proper functioning and working of the government without any
corruption.
To inform the youth and the citizens of their power and rights.
To hold the government responsible for its actions.
To create awareness among the government and the citizens of their rights and
powers.
To ensure that the government is functioning well.
Importance of Role of Information in a Democracy
Being a democratic nation, citizens need to have the right to know about the
functioning of the government or the reasons behind their actions. This is where the
information becomes essential. It enhances the relationship between the
government and the citizens, thereby helping the government function smoothly.
It ensures accountability.
It ensures transparency between citizens and the government.
It is a tool that gives the youth enormous power and allows them to hold the
government responsible for their actions by demanding their right to information.
It improves the functioning of the government.
The Power of RTI in Strengthening Democracy
Empowering Citizens:
By enabling people to request information about government actions and decisions, the RTI
Act encourages citizens to take an active part in the democratic process. This gives citizens
the ability to hold public officials responsible for their conduct.
Suppression of Corruption:
One of the RTI Act's most important effects is its success in revealing corruption and
irregularities inside government agencies. Officials now operate more honestly out of fear
of being held accountable by the public, which limits the potential for corruption.
Improving Public Services:
By making government representatives more receptive to the needs and concerns of
