How can i make use of the right of information bill?

Question

being an NRI i hav serious doubts abt this act passed by our law makers,is it only applicable to residents or is it available upon the internet? tell me the pro's &con's plz...

Answer 1

I assume you talking about the US's Freedom of Information Act.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to disclose records can be done by any person.but must be requested in writing

Federail agencies may withhold information pursuant to nine exemptions and three exclusions contained in the statute. The FOIA applies only to federal agencies and does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies. Each state has its own public access laws that should be consulted for access to state and local records.

Answer 2

You mention that you are a Non Resident Indian. Then how can you say that your are not a citizen of India.

Now coming to the legislation, you can make an application in accordance with Section 6 of the Right to Information Act to the State Information Officer or the Central Information Officer, as the case may be. Making an application is as simple as giving a written requisition specifying your requirement about the information required.

On such application the authority concerned shall necessarily comply with your requirement within a stipulated period of one month by charging for the copies of the documents on nominal rates. You can also appeal to the Central Information Commissioner.

As far as availability of the facility on the net, you will have to check the concerned department's website.