ATo protect state secrets
BTo promote transparency and accountability in public authorities
CTo regulate digital media content
DTo define parliamentary privileges
Answer:
B. To promote transparency and accountability in public authorities
Read Explanation:
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005
The RTI Act was enacted by the Parliament of India on 15 June 2005 and came into full force on 12 October 2005.
Its primary objective is to establish a practical regime for citizens to access information held by public authorities, thereby fostering transparency and checking corruption.
Key Provisions and Regulatory Framework
Section 3 of the Act declares that all citizens have the fundamental right to information.
The Act mandates the constitution of the Central Information Commission (CIC) at the national level and State Information Commissions (SIC) at the state level to act as appellate authorities.
A public authority must designate Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs) to process requests for information.
Statutory Deadlines
Under Section 7(1), the PIO is generally required to provide information within 30 days of the receipt of a request.
If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be provided within 48 hours.
Requests involving a third party or the involvement of an APIO may extend the response period.
Exemptions and Limitations
Section 8 of the Act outlines specific categories of information that are exempt from disclosure, such as matters affecting the sovereignty and integrity of India, security, strategic interests, and cabinet papers.
Certain intelligence and security organizations specified in the Second Schedule of the Act are exempt from its purview, except when the information pertains to allegations of corruption or human rights violations.