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)]

What is Information?

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 - Section 2(f)

The RTI Act - Processes

• Application to be submitted in writing or electronically, with prescribed fee, to Public Information Officer (PIO).
• Envisages PIO in each department/agency to receive requests and provide information. Assistant PIO at sub-district levels to receive applications/appeals/complaints. Forward to appropriate PIO. These will be existing officers.
• Information to be provided within 30 days. 48 hours where life or liberty is involved. 35 days where request is given to Asst. PIO, 40 days where third party is involved and 45 days for human rights violation information from listed security/ intelligence agencies.
• Time taken for calculation and intimation of fees excluded from the time frame.
• No action on application for 30 days is a deemed refusal.
• No fee for delayed response