RTI Act Coverage Explained

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a law enacted by the Parliament of India to provide for the right to information for citizens.

Who Can Citizens Seek Information From?

Under the RTI Act, citizens can request information from:

• Public authorities: This includes all authorities and bodies established by the Constitution, law, or government notification. Essentially, it covers organisations substantially financed, directly or indirectly, by funds appropriate from the government.

Analysis of Options

• Private companies: Generally not covered under the RTI Act unless they meet the criteria of being a 'public authority' (e.g., substantial government funding).
• Foreign embassies: These are foreign government entities and are not subject to Indian RTI laws.
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs): NGOs are covered only if they are owned, controlled, or substantially financed, directly or indirectly, by funds appropriate from the government. Many NGOs fall outside this scope.
• Government departments: These are the primary entities covered by the RTI Act, as they are quintessential 'public authorities'. This includes departments at the Central, State, and Local levels.

Therefore, the RTI Act specifically empowers citizens to seek information from Government departments.