Right to information act: A weapon against corruption

Abstract

Right to Information is a basic human right of every human being. Right to information has been recognized as an internationally protected human right. In simple words, it is the citizen's right to access information held by public authorities. The Right to Information Act 2005 was passed by the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government with a sense of pride. It flaunted the Act as a milestone in India's democratic journey. It is eleven years since the RTI was passed; the performance on the implementation front is far from perfect. Consequently, the impact on the attitude, mindset and behavior patterns of the public authorities and the people is not as it was expected to be. Most of the people are still not aware of their newly acquired power. In India Right to Information is the need of hour. Human security, shelter, food, environment and employment opportunity are all bound up with right to information. In the absence of information on this issue, people cannot live a dignified life and will remain ever marginalized group in the society. It is a powerful instrument to protect the fundamental rights of people. Corruption and criminalization is the nerve of Indian bureaucracy today. The secrecy they have maintained is a source of corruption and harassment. Though India is the world largest democracy, it now fails to attain confidence from common people.