Govt to review implementation of RTI

The Centre will review implementation of the Right to Information Act in all its departments in order for effective functioning of the transparency law. The Department of Personnel and Training, the nodal department for the implementation of the RTI Act, has written to national law universities seeking volunteers to undertake a short-term internships by undergraduates pursuing five-year integrated course to conduct analysis.

"This will help the ministry or department consolidate and document its experience in the implementation of RTI, its success and constraints in implementation, identify the areas which need more attention, address the gap areas and suggest what more needs to be done to help achieve the objectives of the Act," the guidelines issued by DoPT yesterday said.

The internship is being offered to analyse a sample of the RTI applications received in 2011-2012 by select public authorities. "The analysis of the applications would aim to get an overall picture of the applications received and do an in-depth study of the information sought and the response by the Central Public Information Officer/Public Authority," it said.

A missive has been sent to all public authorities, including ministries and public sector undertakings, to extend necessary help in carrying out the exercise. The RTI Act, which was enacted in 2005, covers disclosure of information on nearly all matters of governance.