Clearly explain in short the salient features of Right to Information Act-1905.

Salient Features of the Right to Information Act, 2005:

Enacted on 15 June 2005 (enforced 12 October 2005), the RTI Act is the primary instrument of administrative transparency in India:

• Universal Citizen Access (Section 3): All citizens have the statutory right to request information from any "Public Authority".
• Time-Bound Information Delivery (Section 7): Information must be provided within 30 days of application (within 48 hours if concerning life or liberty).
• Proactive Disclosure (Section 4): Mandates public authorities to proactively digitize and publish operational records, organizational structures, and budgets.
• Two-Tier Appellate Machinery: First appeal to the departmental senior officer; second appeal to the independent Central/State Information Commission (CIC/SIC).
• Deterrent Penalties (Section 20): Imposes a personal penalty of ₹250 per day (up to ₹25,000) on defaulting PIOs for malafide delay or rejection.
• Limited Exemptions (Section 8): Protects sensitive records (national security, cabinet papers, commercial confidence).