Right to Information Act, 2005 (Act No. 22 of 2005) is a landmark legislation enacted to promote transparency, accountability and openness in the functioning of public authorities. The Act empowers Indian citizens to access information held by or under the control of public authorities, subject to the exemptions and safeguards provided under the Act. Its principal objectives are to promote informed citizen participation, improve administrative responsiveness, strengthen accountability in governance and help curb corruption. The Act also provides for designated Public Information Officers (PIOs), appellate authorities and an established mechanism for addressing requests for information and appeals.

The Forests and Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya, has put in place an institutional mechanism for implementing the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. Public Information Officers (PIOs), Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs) and departmental appellate authorities have been designated through official notifications for the Department and the offices under the Forest Directorate, covering the relevant administrative establishments and functional wings. A departmental RTI Nodal Officer has also been designated to coordinate matters relating to RTI implementation. These arrangements facilitate the timely processing of information requests and provide a channel for first appeals. Citizens seeking information relating to forests, wildlife, biodiversity, social forestry, environmental matters, research and other departmental functions may refer to the applicable notification and contact the designated PIO for the concerned public authority. The Department remains committed to strengthening transparency, public access to information and accountable administration in accordance with the RTI Act, 2005, and the applicable rules of the Government of Meghalaya.