What is the procedure for monitoring or reporting for proper working of the Act?

Monitoring and Reporting under the RTI Act

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, includes provisions for monitoring and reporting to ensure its proper implementation. This is primarily outlined in Section 25 of the Act. Here’s a detailed look at the procedure:

Monitoring and Reporting Procedure

1. Annual Report Preparation:

   The Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC) is responsible for preparing an annual report on the implementation of the RTI Act. This report covers the activities and performance of public authorities under the Act during the year.

2. Information Collection:

   Each Ministry or Department must collect and provide necessary information to the CIC or SIC. This includes data on the number of RTI requests received, the decisions made, and the outcomes of appeals.

3. Contents of the Report:

   The annual report must include:

   • The number of requests made to each public authority.
   • The number of decisions where applicants were denied access to information and the reasons for such denials.
   • The number of appeals made to the CIC or SIC and their outcomes.
   • Details of any disciplinary actions taken against officers in relation to the administration of the Act.
   • The amount of fees collected by each public authority under the Act.
   • Efforts made by public authorities to implement the spirit and provisions of the Act.
   • Recommendations for reforms to improve the implementation of the Act.
4. Submission to Government:

   The CIC or SIC must forward the annual report to the appropriate government (Central or State) as soon as practicable after the end of each year.

5. Presentation to Legislature:

   The Central or State Government must lay a copy of the report before each House of Parliament or the State Legislature, as applicable.

6. Recommendations for Improvement:

   If the CIC or SIC finds that a public authority’s practices do not conform to the RTI Act, they can recommend steps to bring these practices in line with the Act’s provisions and spirit.

Importance of Monitoring and Reporting

This monitoring and reporting mechanism ensures transparency and accountability in the implementation of the RTI Act. It helps identify areas where public authorities may be falling short and provides a basis for recommending improvements. By regularly reviewing and reporting on the Act’s implementation, the CIC and SIC play a crucial role in promoting the right to information and ensuring that public authorities comply with the law.