Right to Information: A Tool of Good Governance

In the present paper, emphasis has been given on transparency and accountability in administration are the basic elements for the successful functioning of democracy in the country. Like oxygen information is the key element through which a citizen needs to live in the social structure of society and maintain democratic balance. RTI in India evolved through judicial pronouncements. It was declared as a Fundamental Right under Article 19 (1) (A). The Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005 is a landmark event in this history of Indian democracy. The RTI Act is tools to promote, protect and defend the right to know of Indian citizen. Good Governance can be described as the work done by the government where maximum benefits are given to maximum people. India is a democratic country so participation is required to implement Good Governance. By implementing the RTI Act a big change can be made toward transparency and accountability in governance. The Right to Information is not only mentioned in the constitution but is also a powerful tool for citizen to obtain information from the government as a matter of right. Its reach is very wide. It applies to all government machinery, whether it is all the union, state and local levels or those receiving grants. RTI laws were first enacted in Sweden in 1766, largely motivated by the parliament interest in accessing information held by the like king. Similarly many western democracies like France, Netherland, Australia, New-Zeeland, Canada, and Italy made their own laws. This paper will study the involved peoples implication and extent of key legislation in India that involves people participation and activism. RTI is considered as a means strengthen democracy and usher in focus Good Governance. Responsible citizen – can scrutinize the workings of the government and hold their elected representatives accountable by reviewing their performance and also gain insight into how the bureaucracy in spending public money. No development plan can improve the quality of citizens without Good Governance. The four elements of Good Governance are transparency, predictability, accountability, and participation. RTI helps in achieving this.