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Evolution of the RTI Act, 2005
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The RTI Act, 2005 marked a major step in strengthening freedom of information in India. The Bill was introduced in Parliament in December 2004, passed by the Lok Sabha on 11 May 2005 and the Rajya Sabha on the following day, before finally coming into effect on 12 October 2005.
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Interestingly, the Union government had earlier enacted the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2002, but as rules were never notified, it remained non-operational. The RTI Act was thus prepared afresh and implemented in 2005.
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With this law, India joined a select group of nations having similar legislation. The first such law was enacted in Sweden in 1766, followed by the US in 1966, and the UK in 2005. Today, nearly 120 countries across the world have comparable provisions.
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The RTI Act empowered citizens to seek information from public authorities, thereby making governments more accountable and transparent. It became a vital instrument for citizen empowerment and participatory democracy
Central and State Information Commissions
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To enforce its provisions, the Act established the Central Information Commission (CIC) and corresponding State Information Commissions to hear complaints and appeals.
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As per Section 12, the CIC is composed of a Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and up to 10 Information Commissioners (ICs), depending on requirements.
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Originally, the Act provided CIC and ICs with status and service conditions similar to that of members of the Election Commission of India, including a fixed five-year tenure.
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However, the 2019 Amendment diluted this by giving the Union government discretion over their tenure, salary, and terms of service, thereby reducing their autonomy.
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The CIC’s jurisdiction covers all Central Public Autho