What is RTI?
RTI stands for Right to Information as a fundamental right of citizens of Pakistan acknowledged under Article 19/A of the Constitution. The Punjab Transparency & Right to Information Act 2013 provides detailed procedure for citizens to file RTI Application to PIOs and to assail the orders of PIOs before Punjab Information Commission. A citizen in exercise of RTI can have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law. RTI boosts transparency, accountability, elimination of corruption and improvement of public service delivery.
What are benefits of RTI?
The information got through RTI enables citizens to hold public officials accountable for their actions, to comment upon their performance, to conduct survey on the basis of data received through RTI and to indicate gaps and weaknesses of public bodies.
The government also benefits from RTI by becoming aware of gaps and weaknesses of public bodies. RTI also helps public officials by making it easier for them to carry out their duties more efficiently.
- RTI provides an opportunity to citizens to comment on public services and performance of public bodies.
- It develops public opinion about public services and functions of public bodies which is necessary for democracy.
- It helps the authorities to identify gaps and lapses in governance.
- It contributes to improve public services.
- It ensures efficient and corruption free public services.
- It makes public functionaries / bodies responsive to citizens.
Pro-active Disclosure of Public Information: (Sec-4 of the Act);