The Right to Information Act, 2005 is not applicable to ________.

The correct answer is 'Private authorities'

Key Points

• Right to Information Act, 2005:
  • The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, empowers citizens of India to access information under the control of public authorities to promote transparency and accountability.
  • The act mandates public authorities to disclose information proactively or provide it upon request, subject to certain exemptions.
  • The RTI Act applies to government bodies, institutions, and organizations that receive significant funding from the government (both central and state).
• Private authorities are excluded:
  • The act does not apply to private entities that are not substantially funded by the government.
  • Private organizations are not considered "public authorities" under the definition provided in Section 2(h) of the RTI Act.
  • However, if private entities are substantially funded by the government, they may fall under the purview of the RTI Act.

Additional Information

• Public authorities:
  • Public authorities are defined as bodies of self-government established or constituted by the Constitution of India, by law made by Parliament or state legislature, or by notification issued by the government.
  • These include ministries, departments, local bodies, public sector undertakings, and other government institutions. RTI applies to all these entities.
• Other authorities funded by the Central and State Governments:
  • The RTI Act applies to bodies that are either owned, controlled, or substantially financed by the central or state governments.
  • This ensures that any organization using public funds is accountable to the public.
• Exemptions under RTI Act:
  • Some organizations, such as intelligence and security agencies, are exempt from the RTI Act under Section 24, unless the information pertains to allegations of corruption or human rights violations.
  • Private entities that do not receive substantial government funding are also exempt, as they do not fall under the category of public authorities.