By :- Ragini Chaubey
Most people in India have heard about RTI, the Right to Information Act. But very few actually use it. This powerful law was made for the people, yet it remains one of the most underused rights in the country. Many citizens still do not realise how much it can help them in their daily lives, especially when they face delays or unfair treatment in government offices.
What is RTI
The Right to Information Act came into force in 2005. Its main purpose was to make the government more transparent and accountable. Simply put, RTI allows every Indian citizen to ask questions from any government department and get official answers.
For example, you can ask why your ration card or passport is delayed, how funds were used in your local area, or how government schemes are being implemented. It is your legal right to know how public money is being spent.
Before RTI, getting such information was nearly impossible. People had to depend on officials, middlemen, or just rumours. But with RTI, the government became answerable to the common person.
How RTI empowers ordinary people
RTI is not just a law; it is a tool of empowerment. Across India, many people have used RTI to solve local issues from getting a pending pension released to exposing corruption in village projects.
Take a simple example: imagine your electricity bill shows extra charges and the office keeps ignoring your complaint. Through RTI, you can ask the electricity board for details of your bill, meter reading, and reasons for the extra amount. Once they know you have filed an RTI, officials often act quickly because they are legally bound to reply.
RTI gives you the power to ask, and more importantly, the right to get an answer. It turns silence into accountability.
Why people still don’t use it
Even after so many years, most citizens are not aware of how easy it is to file an RTI. Some think it is a long or complicated process, while others feel afraid of government backlash. But the truth is, filing an RTI is simple. You can write it on plain paper, mention what information you need, and send it by post or submit it online through the RTI portal.
Another reason people avoid RTI is lack of awareness. Schools and colleges rarely teach about it, and media discussions are also limited. As a result, many don’t realise that RTI can make their voices heard without needing to protest or bribe anyone.
For India to truly become a transparent democracy, people must start using RTI more actively. The government must also ensure that departments respond on time and make the process more friendly, especially for those who are not tech-savvy.
RTI is not just for activists or lawyers. It is for every citizen who pays taxes, stands in queues, and expects fair treatment. When citizens use RTI, it builds pressure on the system to improve.
If even one person in every village or colony starts using RTI to ask questions, the entire system will slowly become more honest and efficient.
The Right to Information is a right that gives power to the powerless. It makes every citizen a watchdog of democracy. The more we use it, the stronger it becomes. So, the next time you feel helpless in front of a government office, remember you don’t have to stay silent. You have the right to ask, and the law is on your side.
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