Context
- The Union government has added the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) among a list of organisations that are exempted from the ambit of the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005.
- The exemption would allow CERT-in to reject any application for information, even on policy related matters.

Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005
- Scope: The Act applies to the whole of India and covers all states and Union territories.
- The Act applies to public authorities, which include government departments, ministries, and organizations that are substantially funded by the government.
- Information Accessible to the Public: Citizens have the right to request information from public authorities. This includes the right to access records, documents, and other information.
- Exclusions: While the Act promotes transparency, certain types of information are exempt from disclosure.
- These include information that may compromise national security, breach confidentiality, or harm the integrity of ongoing investigations.
- Timeframe for Response: Public authorities are required to respond to information requests within 30 days. In certain cases, this period can be extended to 45 days.
- Penalties: The Act provides for penalties against officials who withhold information without reasonable cause or provide false information.
Criticism of the Act
- Overburdening Public Authorities: It has led to an overload of information requests, putting a strain on public authorities and responding to numerous RTI requests diverts the attention and resources of public officials from their primary duties.
- Misuse of the Act: Some individuals or groups use RTI requests as a tool for harassment or to settle personal or political scores, leading to unnecessary administrative burdens.
- Delay in Processing Requests: Despite the stipulated time frames for response, some public authorities struggle to adhere to these deadlines, causing frustration among information seekers.
- Capacity and Training Issues: Some public authorities lack the necessary infrastructure, manpower, and training to effectively implement the RTI Act.
- Exemptions and Ambiguities: Critics point out that the Act’s provisions regarding exemptions are sometimes vaguely defined, leading to confusion and differing interpretations.
- This ambiguity can be exploited to withhold information that should ideally be in the public domain.
Way Ahead
- The Right to Information Act, 2005 has played a significant role in promoting transparency, reducing corruption, and empowering citizens to actively participate in the democratic process by holding government institutions accountable.
- It is a powerful tool for promoting good governance and ensuring that citizens have access to information that affects their lives.
- Efforts to address these concerns and improve the implementation of the Act continue to be a part of ongoing discussions and reforms