Right to Information Act, 2005 Designation of Public Information Officers

Here are some notes on the designation of Public Information Officers (PIOs) under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) in detail:

  • Section 5(1) of the RTI Act requires every public authority to designate one or more Public Information Officers (PIOs) for the purpose of providing information under the Act.
  • The PIOs are responsible for receiving requests for information, processing those requests, and providing information to the requester.
  • The PIOs must be officers who are familiar with the working of the public authority and who have the ability to provide information to the requester.
  • The PIOs must also be able to deal with the requester in a fair and impartial manner.

Here are some of the key provisions of the RTI Act related to the designation of PIOs:

  • Section 5(2) of the Act requires every public authority to publish the names, designation, and contact details of the PIOs in its website, if it has one, or in a prominent place in its office.
  • Section 5(3) of the Act requires every public authority to provide information to the requester even if the PIO is not available.
  • Section 5(4) of the Act empowers the Central Government to prescribe the qualifications and experience that a person must have to be eligible to be a PIO.

The RTI Act has been hailed as a landmark legislation that has helped to promote transparency and accountability in the government. The Act has also been credited with empowering citizens and giving them a voice in the decision-making process.

If you have any questions about the RTI Act, you can contact the Central Information Commission (CIC). The CIC is the statutory body that is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the RTI Act.

Here are some of the important things to keep in mind when requesting information from a PIO:

  • Make sure that you are requesting information from the correct PIO.
  • Be clear about the information that you are requesting.
  • Be polite and respectful when interacting with the PIO.
  • Follow up on your request if you have not received a response within a reasonable time.