Highlights

Why RTI?

Why RTI?

RTI is indispensible to make democratic and justice systems meaningful. If citizens are not well informed the democracy and legal system cannot delivered properly. The four basic elements of democracy are participation, accountability, legitimacy and good governance. These elements cannot be concieved of without a regime of RTI. It is only informed society where said elements are truely enforced, hence RTI is at the root of a vibrant democracy and rule of law.


Under Article 19-A of the Constitution, RTI is a fundamental right.  RTI is also considered important to empower citizens, ensure transparency, good governance, and to improve public services by facilitating public participation. In view of these considerations, the Punjab Government enacted the Punjab Transparency & RTI Act, 2013 to translate the ideal of RTI enshrined under Article 19-A.


The law provides a comprehensive definition of information whereby any information held by any public body is public information and is liable to be disclosed unless it is exempted under section 13 of RTI Act, 2013.


RTI Act, 2013 provides the procedure for citizens to submit RTI Requests to PIOs,  for PIOs how to discharge their duties to make disclosures, prescribe timelines for PIOs and for Commission in case RTI Complaint (Appeal) is filed.