How to file RTI (Right to Information) Applications in India

In this presentation we discuss what is RTI and how to file an information request under the RTI Act 2005.

1. How to file RTI (Right to Information) Applications Siva Prasad Bose

2. What is RTI Every citizen of India has the right to ask the government at center and state level about any information pertaining to data of any of the government departments. This is called RTI or Right to information. This act has become an essential tool for citizens to facilitate transparency of the government departments and curb corruption. The Right to Information ( RTI ) Bill was passed in 2005 in the Indian parliament.  

3. RTI Act 2005 6. Request for obtaining information.— (1) A person, who desires to obtain any information under this Act, shall make a request in writing or through electronic means in English or Hindi in the official language of the area in which the application is being made, accompanying such fee as may be prescribed, to— (a) the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer, as the case may be, of the concerned public authority; (b) the Central Assistant Public Information Officer or State Assistant Public Information Officer, as the case may be, specifying the particulars of the information sought by him or her: Provided that where such request cannot be made in writing, the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer, as the case may be, shall render all reasonable assistance to the person making the request orally to reduce the same in writing.

4. Screenshot of RTI Portal

5. RTI Process The citizen files an RTI request either online ( https:// www.rtionline.gov.in / ) or by postal mail to the central or state government department concerned, paying the required fees (nominal charges of Rs 10) and submitting the necessary documents. The query or request for information goes to the Comissioner or public information officer of the state or center depending on whom the RTI has been requested, who then forwards the query to the concerned department. The department has to submit a reply to the citizen’s query within 30 days. There is also appeals process as part of the RTI . The citizen can file an appeal in the prescribed form if the reply received is not satisfactory.

6. Sample RTI Application To The Central/Public Information Officer, RTI Office (Address of public authority/Office) Date: Subject: Request to furnish information under Right to Information Act, 2005 Dear Sir/ Madam, You are requested to furnish the following information/documents. 1. 2. If the information is not available in your office, kindly forward to the concerned public authority as per section 6(3) of the RTI Act,2005 . I am a citizen of India and my address is given below. The RTI application fee for Rs.10 is paid via Indian Postal Order/ Bank Draft/ Cheque No………….. dated …. and the receipt for the same is enclosed. Yours sincerely, (Name and Signature) Address: