• UGI USER
  • Mar 09, 2024
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TWO KEY RTI PORTALS UNDER ‘EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE’

Why in the news?

Union government’s RTI portal experiences prolonged downtime; Election Commission’s portal patched a data vulnerability, limiting payment methods.

About Election Commission’s Portal:

  • Patched a previously unreported vulnerability exposing applicants’ personal data.
  • Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) collaborated with EC to resolve the issue.
  • Portal also faced issues with payment gateway but now accepts payments through limited methods.

About Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in):

●   CERT-In: India’s cyber security agency.

●   Functions: Incident analysis, alerts, emergency response, coordination.

●   Protects critical infrastructure, enhances resilience, promotes national security and economic development.

What is RTI Right to Information Act 2005?

●   RTI Act, 2005: Grants Indian citizens access to public information.

●   Article 19(1)(a), ensuring freedom of speech.

●   Time Period and Exemptions: 30-day response time, exemptions include national security matters.

●   Implementation: Utilizes Public Information Officers (PIOs) as intermediaries.

●   Appellate Authority: Citizens can appeal to the First Appellate Authority, then to Central or State Information Commission.

●   Recent Amendments:

●   2023: Modified Section 8(1)(j) regarding disclosure of personal information.

●   2019: Altered tenure and conditions of Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners.