Proactive Disclosure under the RTI Act

Proactive disclosure means publication of public information by a public authority without waiting for an individual to file an RTI application. Section 4 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 combines duties relating to records management, institutional publication, policy transparency and accessible dissemination.

Records management and computerisation

Under Section 4(1)(a), every public authority must catalogue and index its records in a manner that facilitates access. Records suitable for computerisation must be computerised within a reasonable time, subject to resources, and connected through networks to facilitate nationwide access.

Institutional information to be published

Under Section 4(1)(b), specified information had to be published within 120 days of the Act's enactment and must be updated annually.

• Institutional disclosures cover the organisation's functions and duties, officials' powers and duties, decision-making procedures, accountability channels, working norms, applicable rules and categories of documents held.
• Participation and personnel disclosures cover public-consultation arrangements, boards and committees, accessibility of their meetings or minutes, employee directories, monthly remuneration and the compensation system.
• Financial disclosures cover agency-wise budgets, plans, proposed expenditure, disbursement reports, subsidy programmes and beneficiaries, and recipients of concessions, permits or authorisations.
• Access-related disclosures cover information available electronically, citizen facilities including libraries, details of Public Information Officers and other prescribed information.

Policy transparency and accessible dissemination

• Under Section 4(1)(c), all relevant facts must be published while formulating important policies or announcing decisions affecting the public.
• Under Section 4(1)(d), affected persons must be given reasons for administrative or quasi-judicial decisions.
• Under Section 4(2), public authorities must continuously endeavour to provide information suo motu at regular intervals, including through the internet, so that people need minimal recourse to formal RTI applications.
• Information must be disseminated widely in a cost-effective and easily accessible form, considering local language and the most effective communication method.