How to file an RTI: A step-by-step guide

[ecis2016.org] The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) mandates all government departments to furnish information, as requested by Indian citizens

In an initiative to bring transparency in the system and provide timely information to the citizens of India, the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was passed, under which it is mandatory for all government departments to respond to citizens’ requests for government information. The process has now been made online, through which citizens can search and apply for detailed information from the government. Here is how to apply for RTI online.

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How to file RTI online?

Step 1: Visit the RTI online portal and select the ‘Click here’ button as shown in the image below.

Step 2: You will be redirected to a new page, where you can read the guidelines, before submitting the RTI application form. Click the checkbox and press the ‘submit’ button.

Step 3: You will be redirected to a new page where you have to fill an online form. Select the ministry/department and public authority from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Enter your personal details, such as name, gender, address, area, BPL category, education status, email ID and mobile number.

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Step 5: Describe your RTI request in 3,000 characters. If your request is lengthier, you can add a word document with all the details. You may also need to add a supporting document but this is not mandatory.

Step 6: Enter the security code and press ‘Submit’.

Step 7: A unique registration number will be generated on your screen.

Step 8: You will get confirmation by email and SMS.

Note: If this is your first appeal, you are not required to pay any fees. However, for further appeals, you would need to pay Rs 10 as processing charges, if you are from a non-BPL category.

Difference between RTI request and RTI appeal

An RTI request refers to the filing of an application for the first time. Here, a request is made by the citizen to the Public Information Officer (PIO), to provide information. This means that it involves only the citizen and the PIO.

An RTI appeal is an appeal before a senior officer against the decision of the PIO. Here, a third person (i.e., the appellate authority) comes between the citizen and the PIO. You can file an appeal, only if you are not satisfied with the reply of the PIO or if the PIO rejects the citizen’s request for information.

In simple terms, an RTI request is an application process while an RTI appeal is an appellate procedure against the decision on an RTI application.

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How to file RTI appeal

If your RTI request has been rejected, you can file an RTI appeal, by following this procedure:

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Step 1: Visit the RTI online portal and click ‘Submit First Appeal’.

Step 2: You will be redirected to the guidelines page. Click the checkbox and press the submit button.

Step 3: Now, fill the RTI request registration number, email ID and security code.

Step 4: Fill the first appeal form and describe your appeal in 3,000 characters. Select the reason for filing the appeal application from the ‘ground for appeal’ drop-down field.

How to check the status of your RTI application?

The status of the RTI application or the first appeal filed online, can be seen by the applicant, as well as the appellant, by clicking ‘View Status’.

The registration number of the original application has to be used for reference.

FAQs

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