The Oxford India Short Introductions are concise, stimulating, and accessible guides to different aspects of India. Combining authoritative analysis, new ideas, and diverse perspectives, they discuss subjects which are topical yet enduring, as also emerging areas of study and debate. Access to information is indispensable to the functioning of any true democracy. An Indian citizen's right to information is guaranteed by Constitution of India and implicitly embedded in his right to the freedom and expression. Bringing together the major aspects of the Right to Information Act 2005, this book presents a clear and concise introduction to: -the evolution of the Act and the various privileges conferred under it, - the procedures involved in seeking information, - the duties of information suppliers, and - the kinds of information which are exempted from disclosure. Through in-depth comparative analyses of the law in various other parts of the world, it captures the strengths and drawbacks of the RTI Act, its success stories, and suggests policy measures to improve its implementation.

Aruna Roy resigned from the IAS in 1975 to work with peasants and workers in rural Rajasthan. In 1990 she helped co-found the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS). The MKSS struggles in the mid 90s for wages and other rights gave birth to the now celebrated Right to Information movement. Aruna continues to be a part of many democratic struggles and campaigns. This book is a collective history that tells the story of how ordinary people can come together and prevail against great odds, to make democracy more meaningful.

The free flow of information is a must for a democratic society as it helps the society to grow and to retain a continuous debate and discussion among the people. No democratic government can survive without accountability and the basic postulate of accountability is that the people should have information about the functioning of the government. Gone are the days when public dealings were kept in strict secret, a practice which often led to corruption, misuse and abuse of statutory and administrative power. Freedom of information brings openness in the administration which helps to promote transparency in state affairs, keep the government more accountable and ultimately reduce corruption. Disclosure of information in regard to the functioning of the government must be the rule and secrecy an exception.

In Indian context.

In Indian context.