HOW TO FILL RTI APPLICATION

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Here we are discussing for filing of RTI for Central Government Departments with the Central Information Commission.    

Under the Right to Information Act 2005, every Indian citizen has right to demand

any information from the government if he/she desires to do so.

 For example: a citizen can demand information regarding delay in his passports from the Government, photocopy of answer sheets in any competitive exam, enclosure of any file with note sheet etc. (Post Continues below)

The Government is liable to provide the information demanded to the citizen. If the government authority from which information is demanded fails to do so, the government authority will be penalized with cost maximum upto Rs. 25,000/- and disciplinary enquiry also.

There are certain matters which are state oriented such as construction of a road, problems with irrigation or street light issues. Such RTI application will be filed with the state authorities.

However, if the matter relates to the departments which are related to the Centre, then the RTI must be filed with the central government. In case you fail to submit your RTI Application to the Public Information Officer. Thenafter appeal before Central Information Commission. Read further to know how to file an RTI with the Central Government Departments.

Filing an RTI to a Central Government Department

The first step to file an RTI with a department of the central government would be to identify from which department the information has to be obtained. For instance, anything related to income tax should go to Income Tax department or defence related query should go to Ministry of Defence.

Writing the Application Properly

The next step would be writing your RTI application in the prescribed format. If you do not have any format then you can also file a simple application seeking information. You can submit your application on a plain paper as well. The language of the application can be Hindi or English. Similarly, the government can also respond in either language. Make sure that the questions you ask relate to only one subject; the application has a chance of rejection if you ask more than one questions in a single RTI Application. For instance, if you are enquiring about your passports, then ask questions which are only related to the passports.

Make Payment of Fees

As you might know, there is some amount charged for each RTI you file. Thus, to file an application to a central government department, attach application fee of Rs. 10/- in the form of Indian Postal Order.

Note - You can also obtain e-postal order on line from the postal site and quote the Number given there in in your application. The e-postal order can be obtained from Postal Dept Web site  https://www.epostoffice.gov.in/eIPO/. Here you will need to first create your own account with your desired  log in ID and password on the site using your E-mail and Mobile Number which will be verified with OTPs on both. Do keep a note of the URL as well as the Log in ID and the password.

Sending Application

Once all the above mentioned steps are completed, send your RTI application via speed post/registered post and wait for the government’s response. If you don’t get a reply within 30 days of sending the application, you can approach first appellate authority thenafter second appeal to the central information commission. Here’s a bit more detailed process about the same. If you are facing problems of not accepting your application without valid ground and rejecting RTI applicatioin with malafide intention then individual can directly complaint to Central Information Commission for taking action against the Govt. officer.  For any legal query on RTI matter, you can also consult with a good Lawyer.

Note – The RTI can also be filed on line in case you are able to get e-postal order as mentioned above or making payment on line in the portal. The URL for filing the RTI is  https://rtionline.gov.in  . Through this portal, RTI applications/first appeals can be filed by Indian Citizens for all Ministries/Departments and other Public Authorities of Central Government. In this case you can keep the hard copy for your records while there is no need to send the same by post.  Please note not to file RTI applications through this on line portal for the public authorities under the State Governments, including Government of NCT Delhi. If filed by you, the application would be returned, without refund of amount. Do read instruction as given in their website for filing on line RTI.

    Address of Central Information Commission :

Chief Information Commissioner,

Baba Gang Nath Marg, 

Munirka, New Delhi - 110067.