The Right to Information Act, 2005 was enacted to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities by granting citizens the right to access information under the control of such authorities. The Act recognizes that an informed citizenry is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic system and for curbing corruption and arbitrariness in administration. Any citizen of India may seek information from a public authority by making a request in writing or through electronic means. The application should be addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) or the Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) designated by the concerned public authority. The applicant is required to provide sufficient particulars of the information sought so that it can be identified and supplied. The applicant need not state any reasons for requesting the information, nor is he or she required to disclose any personal details except those necessary for communication of the response. The request may be submitted in English, Hindi, or the official language of the area. If a person is unable to make a written request due to illiteracy or disability, the PIO is under a legal obligation to render reasonable assistance in reducing the request to writing. A prescribed application fee is generally payable along with the request, although persons living below the poverty line are exempted from such fees upon