RTI APPLICATION (Right to Information Act, 2005)

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers citizens of India to request information from any public authority and promotes transparency and accountability in government functioning.
It is one of India’s strongest tools for good governance and public participation.

1. What is RTI?

RTI is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Under the RTI Act, any citizen can request information from:

• Central Government departments
• State Government departments
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Municipalities and Panchayats
• Government-funded NGOs & institutions
• Constitutional bodies (Election Commission, UPSC, etc.)

2. Who Can File an RTI?

• Any citizen of India
• No age restriction (even minors can file)
• No reason required to seek information

3. What Information Can Be Requested?

You may request:

• Records, documents, emails, memos
• Inspection of files
• Certified copies
• Reports, data, statistics
• Decisions, policies, rules, circulars
• Service-related information
• Expenditure, budgets, tenders

Except Information exempt under Section 8 (national security, confidential, personal info not public) .

4. Key Features of RTI Act

• Application can be submitted online or offline
• Simple and low-costprocess
• Mandatory 30-day reply for most RTIs
• 48 hours for information concerning life and liberty
• Provides appeals system
• Penalties for wrong delay or denial

5. How to File an RTI Application

A. Offline Method

1. Write an application in simple English/Hindi/Bengali or regional language
2. Address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department.
3. Clearly mention:
• o Applicant details
• o Information sought
• o Period/subject
• o Format required (paper, email, inspection)
4. Attach ₹10 fee (IPO/DD/Court Fee Stamp)
5. Send via speed post or submit by hand

B. Online Method (Central Government)

• Register/Login
• Select Ministry/Department
• Pay ₹10 fee online
• Submit application

6. Structure of an RTI Application

A proper RTI should include:

• Applicant’s name and address
• Details of PIO/Department
• Clear list of questions
• Time period of information
• Mode of receiving information
• Declaration of citizenship
• Signature & date

No need to mention the reason for seeking information.

7. Time Limits Under RTI Act

• 30 days – PIO must reply
• 48 hours – If related to life & liberty
• 35 days – If RTI sent to APIO
• 45 days – For third-party information
• No response = Deemed refusal

8. First Appeal

If PIO does not respond or gives unsatisfactory reply:

• File First Appeal to First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30 days
• FAA must reply within45 days

9. Second Appeal

If no response from FAA:

• Filed Second Appeal to State/Central Information Commission
• Time limit: within 90 days from FAA order

10. Penalties Under RTI Act

PIO can face:

• Fine ₹250 per day, max ₹25,000
• Disciplinary action
• Compensation to the applicant

Grounds for Penalty:

• No response
• Wrongful denial
• Providing false information
• Destroying records

11. Information Exempt from RTI (Section 8)

• National security information
• Cabinet papers
• Personal information( without public interest)
• Trade secrets
• Court-restricted information
• Intelligence agency matters
• Foreign relations issues

12. Sample RTI Questions

• Provide certified copy of records related to…
• Provide action taken report on…
• Provide reasons for delay in…
• Provide file noting and movement register of…
• Provide certified documents regarding expenditure on…

13. Advantages of RTI

• Promotes transparency
• Ensures accountability
• Helps fight corruption
• Strengthens democracy
• Provide access to government decisions