Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, Section 4 requires every public authority to make certain information available to the public proactively — without anyone having to file an RTI application. These are called suo motu disclosures. Key points • Purpose – To promote transparency, reduce corruption, and minimise the need for formal RTI requests. • What must be disclosed (examples from Section 4(1)(b)): – Organisation’s functions, duties, and powers of officers – Procedures for decision-making – Norms for discharge of functions – Rules, regulations, instructions, manuals, and records used in decision-making – Categories of documents held – Directory of officers and employees – Remuneration of employees – Budget and expenditure details – Subsidy programmes, beneficiaries, and manner of execution – Details of information available in electronic form – Facilities for obtaining information • Manner of disclosure – Through official websites, notice boards, publications, or other accessible means. • Update requirement – Information must be updated regularly so the public always has access to the latest data.

Dear Client, Suo et alio authorities which is in terms of Article 4 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005, refers to the provision that which allows public authorities to proactively and voluntarily bring out information to the public domain instead of a citizen having to file a particular RTI request. The term "suo motu" is of the meaning that which is on its own motion. This provision is for the purpose of promoting transparency and accountability which in turn will reduce the public’s need to put forth formal requests. What is Section 4? Section 4 of the RTI Act presents that public authorities which have to maintain records and also proactively put out a wide variety of info. This is the base of the RTI Act’s transparency structure. It includes:. Section 4(1)(b): This section reports that which public authority will put out 17 particular types of info within 120 days of the Act going into law and also to report on it each year. These include:. The roles of the public authority. The roles and functions of its staff. The guidelines, policies and handbooks used for performing its functions. The compensation of the staff and officers. Information on the budget allocation and how it is spent. Information on subsidy programs which also includes their beneficiaries. Details of concessions, permits, or authorizations issued. Public Information Officers (PIOs) and their details. Section 4(2): This section reports that it is the responsibility of all public authorities to put out as much info as they can proactively to the public at regular intervals which we may use any means of communication to do so including the internet. We aim to reduce the number of times that citizens have to use the Act in order to access information. Section 4(3) & 4(4): These rules state that the info must be made available to all, in a easy to access format, and in the local language which also takes into account cost effectiveness. Also we see that which electronic formats are very much at the fore. Why is it Important? The issue of what we term as suo motu disclosure is very important because it puts the responsibility of putting forth info on the government rather than the citizen. When public authorities proactively bring out relevant info, it:. Reduces the rate of RTI applications. Promotes an open and transparent government. Empowers the citizenry with info which in turn enables them to hold public officials to account and also get more involved in the governance process. In fact public authorities use their websites, notice boards, and other methods of public announcement for the main purpose of these disclosures. Also they should be updated regularly to be of value to the public. I hope this answer helps to resolve your queries. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions. Thank you!