Right to Information (RTI): Concept, Scope and Features

Restricted Flow of Information:

Regardless of the constitutional provisions, the system of governance in India has traditionally been opaque, with the State retaining the colonial Official Secrets Act (OSA) and continuing to operate in secrecy at the administrative level. The Central Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964 also strengthened the OSA by prohibiting government servants from communicating any official document to anyone without authorization. The major factors which influence the free flow of information are bureaucratic culture, illiteracy and absence of effective communication tools.

No doubt, there is need for administrative secrecy in certain cases. No one wants classified documents concerning national defence and foreign policy to be made public till after the usual period is over. But, at the same time, every citizen has a right to know how the Government is functioning. Right to Information empowers every citizen to seek any information from the Government, inspect any Government documents and seek certified photocopies thereof. Some laws on Right to Information also empower citizens to official inspect any Government work or to take sample of material used in any work.