To promote transparency and accountability, the Government of India enacted ‘The Right to Information Act 2005’ to provide citizens access to information under the control of public authorities. This act empowers citizens to access information held by or under the control of public authorities. This includes the right to inspect work, documents, records, and certified samples of materials, and to obtain information stored in electronic form.
Who can file RTI for Aadhaar-related queries?
Any resident of India has the right to file an RTI for Aadhaar-related queries. This inclusivity ensures that every citizen has the opportunity to seek information about their Aadhaar data or the functioning of the UIDAI. To file an RTI, residents need to submit a request for information by making an application in writing or via electronic means. The application can be made in English, Hindi, or the official language of the area in which the application is being made. It is essential to include the prescribed fees with the application, which can vary depending on the mode of submission and the specific rules of the public authority.
The application should clearly state the information being sought, and it should be as specific as possible to avoid any ambiguity. This clarity helps the concerned authorities in processing the request efficiently. Applicants must provide their full name, address, contact details, and proof of identity, which can include a photocopy of the Aadhaar Card itself.
Who will provide information against RTI?
The responsibility of providing information in response to an RTI application lies with the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) or the State Public Information Officer (SPIO), depending on the nature of the request and the public authority involved. For Aadhaar-related queries, the UIDAI has designated Central Assistant Public Information Officers (CAPIOs) at various levels to receive information requests from the public. These officers act as the first point of contact for RTI applicants.
Once the request is received, the CAPIO forwards it to the relevant CPIO, who is responsible for arranging all the necessary information required by the public. The CPIO must respond to the request within 30 days of receipt. The response can either be in the form of providing the requested information or rejecting the request with valid reasons. In case of a rejection, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision within a stipulated period.
What do the UIDAI disclosure norms state?
The UIDAI follows strict disclosure norms to protect the privacy and confidentiality of residents' data. According to Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005, the UIDAI is bound by certain restrictions when it comes to disclosing personal information. Given the sensitive nature of demographic and biometric data, only the resident to whom the data pertains can seek this information. No other applicant can access personal data related to another resident to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
The UIDAI's disclosure norms ensure that the biometric and demographic data of individuals are protected from unauthorised access. If an individual files an RTI request for their Aadhaar information, they may be required to provide additional validation of their identity to ensure that the information is not disclosed to an unauthorised person. This measure is crucial in safeguarding the integrity and privacy of residents' data.
Furthermore, the UIDAI does not entertain RTI requests seeking information on third-party individuals, as this would violate the privacy rights of those individuals. The norms set by the UIDAI align with the broader objectives of the RTI Act, which aims to promote transparency while respecting the privacy of individuals.
