Right To Information: An Essential Tool For Commendable Administration

Abstract

The Right to Information Act, 2005 has been a path-breaking legislation which signals the march from the darkness of secrecy to the dawn of transparency. It lights up the mindset of public authorities, which is clouded by suspicion and secrecy. Openness in the exercise of public power is a culture which needs to be nurtured, with privacy and confidentiality being the exceptions. James Madison once said, “A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with power that knowledge gives.”[1]  In India, the Official Secrets Act, 1923 was a convenient smokescreen to deny members of the public access to information. Public functioning had traditionally been shrouded in secrecy. But in a democracy in which people govern themselves, it is necessary to have more openness. In the maturing of our democracy, right to information is a major step forward; it enables citizens to participate fully in the decision-making process that affects their lives so profoundly.

Through this paper, we would like to analyse the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act in promoting transparency and accountability in the administration and its success in achieving the ultimate goal of providing good governance in India. Without good governance, no number of developmental schemes can bring improvements in the quality of life of the citizens. Good governance has primarily four elements- transparency, accountability, predictability and participation. Transparency refers to availability of information to the citizens and clarity about functioning of governmental institutions. Right to information opens up government’s records to public scrutiny, thereby arming citizens with a vital tool to inform them about the government’s activities and effectiveness, thus making the government more accountable. Transparency in government organisations makes them function more objectively, thereby enhancing predictability. Information about functioning of government also enables citizens to participate in the governance process effectively. In a fundamental sense, right to information is a basic necessity of good governance.

Right to information has been seen as the key to strengthening participatory democracy and ushering in people-centric governance. Access to information can empower the poor and the weaker sections of society to demand and get information about public policies and actions, thereby leading to their welfare. The right to information has also been a powerful means for fighting corruption. Through this paper, we also wish to bring into light the various significant achievements made through the Right to Information Act thus far and identify certain key challenges that still remain in the proper implementation of the Act, which require immediate attention and improvement. The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help promote functioning of a more participatory democracy.