Approach:
Introduction: Briefly introduce the RTI Act,2005 with its broad objectives. 

Body: Make an assessment of the effectiveness and challenges of the implementation of RTI in Indian governance.

Conclusion: Conclude by suggesting measures to enhance the efficacy of RTI.

Answer:

The Right to Information (RTI) is a legal framework in India that empowers citizens to access government-held information. Enacted in 2005, it promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen participation by allowing individuals to request and receive information from public authorities, thus enhancing democratic processes and reducing corruption.

Its effectiveness can be assessed through several key points as follows: 

1. Enhanced Transparency: The RTI Act has significantly increased transparency in government operations. According to the Central Information Commission (CIC), in 2020-21, there were over 13.82 lakh RTI applications filed, indicating the substantial demand for information transparency.

1. Reduced Corruption: The Act acts as a deterrent to corruption. The transparency it promotes can be seen in the decline in corruption cases. The Center for Media Studies reported that in 2019, the total cost of corruption in India decreased by 10% compared to the previous year.

1. Empowerment of Marginalized Groups: RTI empowers marginalized communities by enabling them to access information about government schemes. For instance, Dalits and Adivasis used the RTI Act extensively to access data related to the implementation of welfare schemes, improving accountability.

1. Accountability: RTI applications have led to increased accountability in governance. In 2020, the CIC reported that over 13.05 lakh cases were disposed of, indicating that public officials were held accountable for their actions and decisions.

1. Strengthened Democracy: RTI strengthens democracy by providing citizens with the necessary information to make informed choices during elections. In 2019, the Association for Democratic Reforms reported that voters are increasingly relying on RTI to access candidates' financial and criminal records, ensuring a more informed electorate.

However, there are certain challenges which have undermined its effectiveness in India:

1. Lack of Awareness: Many citizens are unaware of their RTI rights. A survey conducted by the Centre for Equity Studies in 2018 found that only 22% of surveyed respondents had heard of the RTI Act.

1. Delayed Responses: Data from the Central Information Commission (CIC) reveals that a significant number of RTI applications face delays in receiving responses. In 2021-2022, there were approximately 38,000 pending appeals and complaints.

1. Exemptions and Ambiguities: The Act includes provisions for exemptions, often leading to disputes over whether specific information should be disclosed. The ambiguity in some of these provisions has resulted in numerous cases reaching the courts.

1. Intimidation of Whistleblowers: According to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, India has witnessed instances of threats and violence against individuals who use the RTI Act to expose wrongdoing. This deters potential whistleblowers from coming forward.

1. Overburdened Information Commissions: The Information Commissions responsible for adjudicating RTI appeals and complaints often face a backlog of cases. The CIC reported in 2021 that it had around 34,000 pending cases, leading to significant delays in addressing RTI applications.

According to the Delhi High Court, addressing the misuse of the RTI Act is crucial to maintaining public trust in this transparency law. While the right to information is vital for better governance, additional measures like whistleblower protection, decentralization of power, and ensuring accountability are necessary to ensure good governance to improve the efficacy of RTI in India.