The Right to Information Act, 2005 | PAPER II – PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES OF BANKING | MODULE A: GENERAL BANKING OPERATIONS

Right to Information Act, 2005 - Banker

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Notes

Applicability: The Right to Information Act, 2005, applies to all public authorities in India. It mandates that every public authority is required to provide information to the public under certain circumstances.

Definitions: The Act defines several key terms:

• Public Authority: Any authority, body, or institution of self-government established by the Constitution, laws, or any other body funded by the government.
• Information: Any material in any form, including records, documents, emails, opinions, etc., held by a public authority.

Right to Information: The Act provides every citizen the right to access information under the control of public authorities, subject to certain exceptions.

Obligations of Public Authorities: Public authorities must maintain records and provide information as per the requests made under the RTI Act. They must also ensure transparency in their functioning.

Designation of Public Information Officers (PIOs): Every public authority must appoint a PIO to handle requests for information. The PIO is responsible for providing the requested information or guiding the requester to the appropriate authority.

Procedure for Obtaining Information: The process involves submitting a written request to the PIO of the concerned public authority. The request should contain the specific information required, and the PIO is obligated to respond within 30 days.

Disposal of Request: The PIO must either provide the requested information or refuse the request based on the exemptions listed in the Act. If the request is refused, the reasons must be provided.

Appeal: If the information is not provided or the request is rejected, the requester can file an appeal with the higher authorities within the public authority, or with the Information Commission.

Orders in Appeal: The Information Commission can issue orders directing the public authority to provide information. The authority must comply with the orders within a specified period.

Central Information Commission: The Central Information Commission is established at the national level to oversee the implementation of the RTI Act and handle appeals related to central government bodies.

State Information Commission: Similar to the Central Information Commission, State Information Commissions are set up in each state to handle appeals regarding state government bodies.

Penalties: Public authorities that fail to comply with the RTI Act or refuse to provide information without valid reasons may be subject to penalties. The penalties include fines and disciplinary action against the concerned officials.

Act to Have Overriding Effect: The provisions of the RTI Act override any other law or regulation that is inconsistent with the RTI Act.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does the Right to Information Act, 2005 apply to?
   Private entities
   Public authorities
   Non-governmental organizations
   All the above
   Answer: b) Public authorities
2. Who appoints the Public Information Officers (PIOs)?
   The government
   The concerned public authority
   The Information Commission
   The judiciary
   Answer: b) The concerned public authority
3. What is the time limit for a public authority to respond to an RTI request?
   15 days
   30 days
   60 days
   90 days
   Answer: b) 30 days
4. Which body is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the RTI Act at the national level?
   Central Information Commission
   State Information Commission
   National Commission for Women
   Ministry of Information Technology
   Answer: a) Central Information Commission
5. Which of the following is not an obligation of public authorities under the RTI Act?
   Maintaining records
   Providing information to the public
   Refusing all requests for information
   Designating Public Information Officers
   Answer: c) Refusing all requests for information
6. What is the penalty for not complying with the provisions of the RTI Act?
   A fine of Rs. 100 per day
   Disciplinary action
   Both a and b
   None of the above
   Answer: c) Both a and b
7. Can a requester appeal if their information request is denied?
   Yes, they can appeal to the higher authorities
   No, they cannot appeal
   Yes, they can appeal to the judiciary
   None of the above
   Answer: a) Yes, they can appeal to the higher authorities
8. What is the overriding effect of the RTI Act?
   It supersedes other laws
   It is subordinate to other laws
   It applies only to certain sections of the government
   It has no overriding effect
   Answer: a) It supersedes other laws
9. Who can file an RTI request?
   Only Indian citizens
   Any resident of India
   Only government employees
   Any person, irrespective of nationality
   Answer: a) Only Indian citizens
10. Which of the following is exempt from the RTI Act?
    Information related to national security
    Information related to public health
    Information about government spending
    All of the above
    Answer: a) Information related to national security