RTI at 20 Years: Progress & Challenges (2025 Analysis)

In October 2005, the Right to Information Act came into force, giving Indian citizens a powerful tool to demand transparency and accountability. Twenty years later, in 2025, it is time to reflect: what has RTI achieved, and what challenges remain?

Progress in 20 Years of RTI

• Empowered citizens: From rural villagers to urban activists, ordinary citizens have exposed corruption, tracked development funds, and ensured delivery of services.
• Transparency in governance: Government departments now proactively disclose data, tenders, and records online.
• Judicial recognition: Courts have repeatedly upheld RTI as a fundamental extension of the right to freedom of speech and expression.
• Digital integration: State and central portals have made RTI filing accessible online, reaching millions.
• Landmark cases: RTI has uncovered scams, restored pensions, delivered exam answer sheets, and secured land rights.

Persistent Challenges

• Delays in response: Many authorities fail to respond within 30 days, forcing applicants into appeals.
• Vacant Information Commissions: Pending cases pile up due to lack of staff and commissioners.
• Misuse & harassment: Some applicants face threats or misuse RTI for personal vendetta.
• Exempt bodies: Agencies under Section 24 remain shielded, limiting access in key sectors.
• Awareness gaps: Millions of citizens still don’t know how to file RTI effectively.

RTI in Numbers (2005–2025)

• Over 4 crore RTI applications filed across India since 2005.
• Annual filings crossed 50 lakh per year by 2024.
• 1 in 4 applications face delays or inadequate responses, leading to appeals.
• Thousands of success stories reported in media, from ration card delivery to billion-rupee scams.

The Road Ahead

For RTI to remain effective in its next decade, India must:

• Strengthen Information Commissions with adequate staff and funding.
• Promote digital literacy and simplify online RTI filing.
• Protect whistleblowers and RTI activists from harassment.
• Expand proactive disclosures to reduce the need for individual RTIs.
• Integrate AI and data analytics for better tracking and transparency.

FAQs on RTI at 20 Years