Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was passed by the Indian Parliament to bring transparency in an environment riddled with intrigue, secrecy and corruption. People have used this law very effectively to bring about changes that are both big and small.

In about three and a half years of its working, the RTI Act has fundamentally changed the power equation between the government and the governed – those who wield power of the state in any form on the one hand and millions of those who are affected by the decisions and working of the state machinery on the other. Thanks to the RTI Act, in India, the “Public Servants” are finally being forced to recognize their real Master- the Common Man.

No other law on India’s statute book gives citizens so much power, so simply, to question any public authority in the country. The RTI Act even allows the citizens to inspect government files, take copies of their documents, inspect government work and collect sample of materials for the same.

Indians have a historic opportunity to root out corruption and the culture of secrecy in government affairs and instead pave the way for governance reform, greater accountability and transparency in government affairs. Across the country, a growing number of people are using RTI applications as a weapon to fight corruption and demand their rights.

RTI is enabling people to say no to bribes. Earlier they felt completely helpless when they approached a government department. Now, if they know how to use RTI, they can get their work done. RTI has been used to bring about policy changes as well as to feed hungry mouths. It is an all encompassing act with consequences that have prompted some to say that it is the most important legislation since independence.