Patience and perseverance are required to get information under the RTI
When journalists seek information under the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005, there are many surprises in store: the information is often denied or responses to queries are partial because the “information is not available”, or “doesn’t pertain” to the department contacted, or is stated to be under the category of exemptions (any information which could affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, or security, strategic, scientific or economic interests is denied). So, we hit the jackpot rarely. In fact, for hundreds of misses, there is probably one hit.
There are several hurdles to seeking information. Accessibility to files depends not only on the type of information sought but also the department from which it is sought. While the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs are notorious for stonewalling queries, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Rural Development are more magnanimous in sharing information.
Please click here to read more.