News: Prime Minister’s Office(PMO) has refused to provide information about the PM CARES Fund stating that the fund is not a ‘public authority’ under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Facts:
Public authority under RTI: As per Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, “public authority” means any authority or body or institution of self government established or constituted—
- by or under the Constitution;
- by any other law made by Parliament/State Legislature.
- by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government, and includes any—
- body owned, controlled or substantially financed;
- non-Government organisation substantially financed, directly or indirectly by funds provided by the appropriate Government.
Additional Facts:
Right to Information Act, 2005:
- RTI Act provides for timely disclosure of information by citizens from both central and State Public Authorities. It seeks to empower citizens and promote accountability and transparency.
- Under the Act, Public Authorities are required to make disclosures on various aspects of their structure and functioning. This includes:
- disclosure on their organisation
- functions and structure
- powers and duties of its officers and employees and
- Financial information.
