Background: The right to information (RTI) Act, 2005, is widely regarded as a transformative legal instrument for ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Rooted in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, it empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, thereby enabling participatory democracy. Despite its progressive intent, the implementation of the Act varies across regions, with differences in public awareness, administrative responsiveness, and perceived efficacy. In West Bengal, and particularly in the Asansol Sub-Division, socio-economic diversity, bureaucratic structures, and varying levels of civic engagement create a distinctive context for examining the Act’s real-world functioning.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the extent to which the RTI Act has contributed to enhancing transparency and accountability in the Asansol Sub-Division. The specific objectives are to: (i) measure public awareness and usage patterns of the Act, (ii) evaluate the responsiveness and compliance of public information officers (PIOs), and (iii) explore qualitative perspectives of applicants on systemic challenges and procedural fairness.

Methodology: A mixed methods approach was adopted, combining a quantitative survey of 150 RTI applicants drawn from various public sectors in Asansol with qualitative semi-structured interviews of 20 purposively selected applicants and 5 PIOs. Quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square test of independence to examine the association between applicant educational attainment and successful receipt of information, and independent-samples t-test to compare satisfaction scores between applicants who received complete information within 30 days and those who experienced delays. Qualitative interview data were thematically analyzed to identify recurring perceptions and challenges regarding the Act’s implementation. Data collection was conducted over a period of six months, ensuring both temporal and sectoral representation.

Results: The chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between applicants’ educational attainment and the likelihood of obtaining complete and timely information (χ² (2, N=150) =9.42, p<.01). The t-test indicated a significant difference in satisfaction scores between applicants who received timely responses and those who experienced delays (t(148)=3.87, p<.001), with timely responses yielding notably higher satisfaction. Thematic analysis highlighted three recurring qualitative insights: delays due to bureaucratic inertia, insufficient training among PIOs, and increased citizen trust in governance when RTI requests are processed efficiently.