Question.
"The Right to Information Act is not only about citizen's empowerment but it essentially redefines the concept of accountability." Discuss. (UPPSC 2022)
Answer.
The Right to Information Act was enacted by the Indian parliament in 2005, it is an effective tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment.
The right to information provides rights to citizens to access information regarding functions and decisions of public authorities or public organizations.
‘The Right to Information Act is not only about citizen’s empowerment but it essentially redefines the concept of accountability in the following ways-
Increase in transparency; The RTI Act has mandatory for public authorities to disclose information to the public about the functioning and decision-making process which are not confidential. Citizens can now access information on government schemes, policies, and programs. This has increased transparency in government functioning and has created more informed citizens.
Corruption reduction; RTI act has empowered citizens to obtain information related to corrupt activities, this has created a sense of fear among public officials and has made the more accountable for their actions.
Promoting good governance; RTI act has promoted good governance by creating a more transparent and accountable system, this makes civil servants more responsive to the needs and concerns of citizens, and this has improved the overall efficiency and effectiveness of civil services in India.
In conclusion, from the above, we can say, the Right to information act in India has redefined the concept of accountability in civil services by promoting transparency, reducing corruption, empowering citizens, and promoting good governance. It also empowered the citizen to get information about the functioning of the government system.
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