The Right to Information Act (RTI Act) was enacted in India in 2005 with the primary objective of promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. Here are more details about the RTI Act: Enactment Year: The Right to Information Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2005 and received Presidential assent on June 15, 2005. It officially came into force on October 12, 2005. Key Provisions: Applicability: The RTI Act applies to the whole of India and covers all states and union territories. Public Authorities: The Act applies to public authorities at all levels of government, including central, state, and local governments. It also includes bodies, organizations, and institutions that are owned, controlled, or substantially funded by the government. Objectives: To empower Indian citizens by providing them with the right to access information held by public authorities. To promote transparency in government functioning. To enhance accountability of government officials and agencies. To reduce corruption and promote good governance. Salient Features: The RTI Act establishes a mechanism for citizens to request information from public authorities by submitting a written application. Public authorities are required to provide the requested information within a specified time frame. It imposes penalties on officials who do not provide information or who obstruct the process of accessing information. The Act also prescribes a fee for requesting information, which is nominal and may be waived for certain categories of citizens. It safeguards the identity of whistleblowers and protects them from retaliation. Promotion of Transparency: The RTI Act has played a pivotal role in increasing transparency in government operations. It allows citizens to obtain information related to government decisions, policies, programs, and expenditures. Empowering Citizens: This legislation has empowered citizens to actively engage in the democratic process by making informed decisions and holding government officials and institutions accountable. Impact: The RTI Act has been a tool for exposing corruption, nepotism, and inefficiencies in government functioning. It has been used to uncover various scams and irregularities. Amendments: Since its enactment, there have been discussions and debates regarding potential amendments to the RTI Act. Some argue for expanding its scope, while others express concerns about maintaining a balance between transparency and privacy. The Right to Information Act has been a significant step in the direction of enhancing transparency and accountability in India's governance and administration. It has been instrumental in the empowerment of Indian citizens and has allowed them to actively participate in the democratic process.