RTI and Accountability in Urban Local Governance: Success and Symbolism in Rajasthan

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is designed to promote transparency and administrative accountability. This study examines its implementation in two key Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Rajasthan—Jaipur and Jodhpur Municipal Corporations—over the period 2013 to 2023. Analysis of quantitative data from the Rajasthan State Information Commission (RSIC) and case-level data from RTI portals reveals that Jaipur received 5,482 RTI applications, of which 4,135 (75.4%) were fully or partially answered within stipulated time, while 1,347 (24.6%) experienced delays or were exempted under Section 8. In Jodhpur, 3,212 applications were received; 2,207 (68.7%) were answered timely, 1,005 (31.3%) faced delays or exempted. Formal enforcement actions occurred in both cities: Jaipur saw fines levied (one officer fined ₹2,500 under Section 20 in 2025; another ₹25,000 in 2022), while Jodhpur officials were fined ₹25,000 in 2021 for refusal of information. Notable cases illustrate both “success”—such as contract irregularity exposure leading to contractor blacklisting—and “symbolism”—such as denial of sanitation worker records due to nonexistent digital archives. Findings indicate that RTI facilitates accountability in isolated incidents but largely functions symbolically, constrained by administrative deficiencies. Mandatory digital infrastructure, PIO training, and stronger enforcement are recommended.