The enactment of The Right to Information Act, 2005 marks a significant and long-awaited milestone in the pursuit of transparency in government administration. It is widely acknowledged that a thriving democracy hinges upon an informed citizenry. To this end, it becomes imperative for citizens to comprehend the rationale behind governmental decisions, and this necessitates the ability to seek information prior to forming any conclusions.

The overarching purpose of this Act is to usher in a new era of transparency within the administrative machinery of the Government. Through this legislation, a concerted effort is made to render the government's operations more open and accessible to the public. It is worth noting that this Act applies to the entirety of India, with the notable exception of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

At the core of this legislation lies the definition of 'information.' It extends beyond mere documents and encompasses a wide array of materials. Information, as stipulated in the Act, can take various forms, including records, documents, memos, emails, advices, opinions recorded in any medium, press releases, circulars, orders, log books, contracts, reports, papers, and other similar sources of information.

The primary objective of The Right to Information Act is to foster a more open and accountable society. It underscores the notion that information should be readily available to private citizens while respecting the vital principles of privacy and other specified exemptions.

In essence, this Act paves the way for an empowered and enlightened citizenry, who can actively engage in the democratic process by seeking and obtaining information crucial to informed decision-making. By promoting transparency and accountability, it aspires to transform the administrative machinery into a more accessible, responsible, and participatory entity.