Empowering people through information: A case study of India's Right to Information Act

SummaryThe beginning of the 21st century is marked with the developments made in the field of information and technology. The primary role of the information is to equip the citizens to make informed choices. Information is life blood that sustains political, social and business decisions. It may pertain to quality, quantity, standard, and prices of products or services that are needed to make an informed decision. This is particularly true in a country where government and its numerous administrative agencies have expanded in a bewildering manner.The Right to Information Act, passed by the Indian Parliament in the year 2005 has proved to be a landmark for good governance and in helping common people, especially the poor and underprivileged, get their dues from the government. The act has emerged as the most potent tool to empower ordinary citizens to combat state corruption and to play an important and active role in participatory democracy. Drafted by civil society itself, the law is unique in the sense that it has been the result of years of struggle by civil society, NGOs and media.