The Right to Information Act (RTI) is a law enacted in India in 2005 that empowers citizens to request information from public authorities. This act promotes transparency and accountability in government by allowing individuals to access records and documents, thereby enabling them to participate more actively in the democratic process. Under the RTI, any citizen can file a request for information, and public authorities are required to respond within a specified time frame. The act covers all levels of government, including central, state, and local bodies, ensuring that information is accessible to everyone, thus fostering an informed citizenry.