Despite issues, online RTI queries may cross one million in 2025, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Over 9.6 lakh RTI applications were filed online in 2024, showing a 14-19% yearly growth.
• The Union government's online RTI portal may receive over one million applications in 2025.
• The Department of Personnel and Training manages the Union government's online RTI portal.
• The online RTI portal was launched in 2013.

Detailed Insights:

• Despite issues like website downtimes and OTP delays, the number of online RTI applications continues to rise.
• The increasing number of RTI applications indicates sustained public interest in seeking information from the government.
• The data does not include physically filed RTI applications to the Central government or applications to State governments and the Election Commission.
• The addition of a one-time passcode (OTP) before filing an application was intended to add security but has been criticized as a hindrance.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Right to Information (RTI): An act that provides citizens access to government-held information, promoting transparency and accountability.
• Transparency: The principle that government actions should be open to public scrutiny and easily accessible.