Update: Since writing this post, Government of India has enabled online filing of RTI, which is quick and easy process. We wrote step-by-step process on “How to File RTI Online in Under 10 Minutes“, which you may like to read. However, the post below details out some pre-requisites and important information you may want to know before heading to that article.
——
We have been wanting do this post for sometime now, simply because the more people know about RTI and actively use it, the more each one of us are doing our bit to curb corruption and wrong practices in Government Department. RTI indirectly ensures that all Government departments adhere to legal processes and systems and is documents as RTI can immediately bring everything in public domain!
In simple words, the Right to Information Act or RTI is an act that practically supports and enables citizens to claim their right to information which is guaranteed by the constitution of India.
Let’s put aside all the jargon and complicated terms to take a look at what the Right to Information Act is all about – from a common citizen’s perspective.
Contents
Right to Information Act (RTI) – What is it for?
The Right to Information Act was established to make the government accountable for its work by empowering citizens to demand information regarding its activities. This act applies to both the Central and the State Governments of India except Jammu and Kashmir, which has its own RTI Act.
What information are we talking about?
The RTI aims to allow citizens to ask for records, documents, circulars, contracts, reports, papers, emails, memos and all other information held in print or electronic form from the public authorities, i.e. all the governing bodies. There are certain sections of administrative activities that are exempt from the RTI Act, details of which can be found in Section 8 and 9 of RTI Act 2005.
The RTI Act 2005 also empowers citizens to physically inspect the records that have been duly maintained by the government and its administrative bodies.
Who can ask for information?
All citizens can ask for information whether they want to inspect the work and activities of the Government or simply exercise their right to other information and documents that were mentioned earlier. If you are a citizen who seeks information or want to inspect records of governing and administrative bodies, you are a valid applicant.
How can you ask for information?
Citizens can exercise their right to information by filing an application with a Central Public Information Officer (CPIO). All the administrative levels of the government will have a CPIO who will give the required information to people who file an application or a query under the RTI Act.
As an applicant, you should know that there is no particular format required. Your application can even be on simple plain paper. Applicants however need to ensure that their contact details including name and correspondence address appear on the application. Reasonable assistance can be expected from the CPIO if you decide to give your application in writing.
On what grounds can you seek information under the RTI act?
As a citizen, applicant under the RTI and as an information seeker, you are not required to give any reasons if you wish to seek information under the RTI Act.
Is there a fee to file and RTI application?
Yes, as per the RTI Act 2005, applicants will incur fees and costs that include, but may not be limited to the following
Fee on initial application
- Demand draft, banker’s cheque or cash with subsequent receipt of Rs. 10
Fees for information sought
- Rs. 2 per page printed, copied or created in A4 or A3 size
- Cost of the page or paper
- Rs. 50 per disc if information is given in that form
- Cost or actual price of sample or models requested under the RTI Act
Fees for inspection of records
- First hour is free after which there is a fee of Rs. 5 per hour
How long will it take?
Information sought under the RTI 2005 will be supplied within a time period of 30 days. However it has been stated in the RTI Act 2005 guide that if the information ‘concerns the life and liberty of a person’, it will be supplied in 48 hours. Here are the details of various time limits for receiving information for your RTI application.
| For PIO to reply to application | 30 days from date of receipt of application |
| For PIO to transfer to another PA under Sec 6(3) | 5 days from date of receipt of application |
| For PIO to issue notice to 3rd Party | 5 days from date of receipt of application |
| For 3rd Party to make a representation to PIO | 10 days from receipt of notice from PIO |
| For PIO to reply to application if 3rdParty involved | 40 days from date of receipt of application |
| For applicant to make First Appeal | 30 days from date of receipt of PIO’s reply or from date when reply was to be received |
| For First Appellate Authority to pass an order | 30 days from receipt of First Appeal OR Maximum 45 days, if reasons for delay are given in writing |
| For applicant to make Second Appeal before CIC/SIC | 90 days from receipt of First Appeal orders or from the date when orders were to be received |
| For CIC/SIC to decide Second Appeal | No time limit specified |
(table source)
The RTI Act 2005 guide also mentions that if you as an applicant have given your application to an Assistant CPIO or the wrong public authority, 5 days will be added to the generally prescribed time frame.
What if you don’t receive the RTI information or wish to appeal?
The RTI Act 2005 has set forth guidelines and procedures for applicants who have not been given the information they seek in time or are not satisfied with the information provided to them. Here is an overview of the appeals procedure
- As an applicant, you should file an appeal with the relevant first appellate authority within 30 days of the date that was the last day of the expiry of the 30 day time period to supply information. [Please refer the timeline chart above]
- Your appeal will be reviewed and disposed within 30 days of receipt, or 45 days in ‘exceptional cases’.
- As an applicant, if your appeal is not disposed or you are still left unsatisfied, you can file a second appeal to Central Information Commission. This appeal must be done within 90 days from the date that was the last day of the 30 or 45 day time period of the first appeal.
Cumulative RTI statistics for past 3 years
Here are some numbers released by authorities that give you an idea about number of RTI applications that were filed / rejected in last 3 years.
|
Aspects |
2008-09 |
2009-10 |
2010-11 |
|
Opening balance of RTI requests (as on 1st April of the reporting year) |
32,792 |
97,474 |
1,37,771 |
|
Number of requests received during the year |
329,728 |
5,29,274 |
4,17,955 |
|
Total number of requests at the end of the reporting year |
362,520 |
6,26,748 |
5,55,726 |
|
Number of Requests rejected |
23,954 |
34,057 |
21,621 |
|
Requests rejected as a percentage of requests received during the year |
7.26% |
6.43% |
5.20% |
|
Requests rejected as percentage of total number of requests at the end of reporting year |
6.60% |
5.43% |
3.89% |
| [Table source] |
Hope this article helps you in getting to know everything there is for RTI – Go exercise your Right to Information now!
Update 02/12/2011: One of our readers, Mr. Anupam Saraf, pointed us to links to sample RTI forms that you can refer to create your RTI application [ Sample 1, Sample 2, Sample 3]
How do I withdraw an RTI application which to Indian Council of Medical Research, was filed through the online portal ?
Hello,
The complaint is about Sai Service Bajaj Kothrud. I have done by Bajaj Avenger bike servicing dated 29 Nov. 2017 at Sai Service Bajaj Kothrud center, Pune.
The total service charges were Rs 2694.89 /-
If I pay the amount by cash, the charges are same. But when I pay the same amount by using debit card then an extra 1% amount is charged which has no meaning. And even it is not mentioned in the bill (Tax Invoice).
I am requesting to answer me for this illegal extra payment only on card payment which is not mentioned in the any of rules. And please let me know the detail justification about the same.
What shall I do when I receive a false and misleading reply was given in RTI. Whetheraction may be taken against the PIO for giving false information.
Chandramohan
yes, you should make first appeal.
Hello, Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Mrs. Gauri Prashant Pawaskar. I am the victim of Domestic Violence. I had lodge the complaint against my husband Mr. Prashant Dashrath Pawaskar. The Domestic Violence case is running in the Court. I need maintainance and residence from my husband. And he is hiding the information regarding his bank accounts details,policies, shares, FD’s and properties. So how could I get all the information from Income Tax department through RTI?
Hi i filled rti against hcl technologies online however i misplaced ref no / id . I paid 251/- now there is no response or update for rti. Pls help how can i track it or it is fraud
Thanks & Regards
Satinder Singh Behl
All the matter as given above regarding RTI Act 2005 is very knowledgefull for first appeal and second appeal. now every one is capable to file an application to CPIO.
A GREAT THANKS.
income Tax department ka kuchh nahi ho sakta hai. its AO save tax evader firm Accord Financial Services. ITO S. P Ahuja and Rambir Singh Dalal then Ward 49(1) TDS Laxmi Nagar DELHI now Ward 73 (1) take side of errant company and allowed conveyance reimbursement without claim and Vouchers. Cash payment 22k without voucher. and payment to wife of employees name. Even allowed deposit TDS without penalty after my complaint. In form 16 my income reduced by 1,33,333/- ITO SP Ahuja suggest me to refund your tax. ham aapka bhala chahte hai. Rambir singh Dalal threats me for police complaint or leave this case. I approach Director vigilance North Mr. P K Banargee Both Mr Banarjee and Mr B S Rawat (Jt Commissioner of range) save the errant officers . do lipapoti.
income Tax department ka kuchh nahi ho sakta hai. its AO save tax evader firm Accord Financial Services. ITO S. P Ahuja and Rambir Sing Dalal then Ward 49(1) TDS Laxmi Nagar DELHI now Ward 73 (1) take side of errant company and allowed conveyance reimbursement without claim and Vouchers. Cash payment 22k without voucher. and payment to wife of employees name. Even allowed deposit TDS without penalty after my complaint. In form 16 my income reduced by 1,33,333/- ITO SP Ahuja suggest me to refund your tax. ham aapka bhala chahte hai. Rambir singh Dalal threats me for police complaint or leave this case. I approach Director vigilance North Mr. P K Banargee Both Mr Banarjee and Mr B S Rawat (Jt Commissioner of range) save the errant officers . do lipapoti.
the income tax of india raised a tax demand of Rs 2000.00 for the financial year 2006-07 in the processing of it return for 2015–16. I submitted application reasoning that the demand was unjustified and submitted relevant details for the same . despite reminders the department has not rectified it and has not responded on my application. can I file RTI with CPIO to get response from the ITO on the fate of my application?
I am working in private sector not a Government Sector can I file the RTI ?
?Sir, I want to know my ration card details and need certified copy through RTI, Can please send the questioner format.
Since when ever I have asked to Tasildhar, Madanapalle ? asking the details by Name or Door No they use reply by saying “Ration Card Status not opened in Door No Wise” or “Ration Card Status not opened in Name Wise”,
Please let me know how to get the Ration Card Details through RTI, need it badly.
Dear Sir/Madam,
This is to draw to your kind attention And I feel very ashamed of disclosing the truth of education in our country which is merely based on bribe.
It came to my knowledge that a co-ordinator of Loreto House (Kolkata) named Shalini (Magi) is taking bribe from parents and admitting their ward into the most reputed school of kolkata like Don Bosco, Loreto House etc through illegal process.
Hope you will consider my grievances and take legal action against the same.
Shall I able to file RTI to see the Charitable trust activity and the transactions of the asset??.Please help me with this and I need how to do that. Lots of people doing some illegal transactions and sells the trust properties for their own benefits.
dear sir / madam
my relatives had tapped my phone n had made a false allegations against me and filed a criminal case against me .
police has taken n fir without asking whether had they taken the permission to tap my calls which is a criminal offence .
so i need draft a right to information against police enquiring about the permission to tap my calls .
You can file RTI regarding your claims to the PIO of police department of your area
sir, there is no sc vaccancies for last three years from 2012-2015 in central government mumbai. hence there was vaccant post for st and general candidate. and told no vaccancies for sc.so, how could i get the information.
thanks.
Sir/mam
I was sending RTI request to my university for getting answer sheets of the paper of last three times I was given becouse they give me same marks on same paper from last three times. But I don’t get any response from the university till now so what can I do now I was applying RTI on 17/08/2015 please give me the path wht can I do now
yes you can do RTI on 20Rs. stamp paper. write down all the question on that stamp paper and make register AD to Registrar office. you will get written receipt. now wait for 30 days and if you get answer then ok else lodge a complain on CIC website. hope its help.
Sir/Mam I would like to know about RTI for Delhi Milk Scheme ( DMS ) which comes under Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Scheme for empty shops.
THANK YOU…… GOOD INFORMATION CONTENT WEB..
Dear Sir/ Madam
0rder reference number ACEHWIZWL
On 05/08/2015 I placed the above order with Justshoppingdeals for Apple IPhone 4s White 8GB, for which I paid in advance 33% of 10054.95. The Apple IPhone 4s White 8GB has still not been delivered.
How can I get the product or otherwise paid advance amount.Please tell me procedure to file RTI.
give me a profarma to how to write a RTI letter ?
whom i adressed in RTI letter?
give me all type of profarma and adressing adress?
pls
i w working as a teacher in private school.i hv to get experience certificate from that school now but they r not giving.plz tell me how can i get experience certificate through RTI.plz tell me .thanx
hello sir can I file RTI on police department by asking for not out recruitment result. I need some help. please mail me
sir I want know that Vamshi exports Ltd
company
I want to know the rules of lpg booking & distribution.
Sir I am heart patient and have undergone stenting. My wife applied for leave on 5/2/15 in advance as i had to undergo for medical check up. Application was received in ACP office, GTB Enclave, Delhi-95 for grant of leave but SHO took out the leave and torn it in ACP office.
Sir i put RTI to know the where about of leave application on 14.2.15 but no reply is given to me till date also DCP has threatened to see my wife in future saying that why you husband has put up RTI.
Please advice me what should be my next step.
If I want police to file a case, and get no response, which department (Apex body etc) should I select for filing the online RTI?
every iperson should know about it
SIR
RTI REPLY GIVE ME REPORT BUT PLEASE GIVE ME RTI SUGGESTION BY MAIL
SENDER
VEERENDRA KUMAR PARASHA CONTACT. NO. 0889064488
RtI Form Kahan Par Milta Hain Mujhey Uska Address Cahiye Kirpiya Ye Address Dene Ki Kirpa Karen
If you r online RTI in delhi than u can do online RTI…and if you are doing RTI in other state except delhi than u can do rti by taking 10 rs chalan with post office and this is available in all the postoffice near you and u can File RTI in any government Department
i m an employee of indian coast guard i applied for leave for 12 dady but officer didnot allow me to go on leave on time and said that go on leave on monday.officer told me to cancell reservation tickets. i cancelled my reservation ticket. sunday evening 10 august officer send me a message through another person to go on leave. but by the time i had cancelled my ticket. i wanted to know that can i file an rti against that officer to recover my cancellation charges. please send me a reply on my email id. thank u
Dear sir,
How can rti on bank which stop a result of bank po .
Suggest me out rti
I am not getting pension from last 3 years from ITI Raebareli, UP. Someone please suggest me how to process RTI. I tried online 2 times but it got disposed, i don’t why.
Thanks
Hi,
Can I file RTI against Police Departments against Pending results of recruitment process. because all other results of other district regarding same recruitment process are clear in my state except my district. when we ask about the results they say there is some technical problems then why the same technical problem didn’t happen for other district…by the way our district was first to complete the recruitment process compare to other district in my state…..what should i do please help
Subject : The CPIO cum ITO Ward 49(1) taking side of tax evading company M/S. Accord Financial Services. Not providing proper reply of my RTI’s Even The Additional commissioner of Income Tax Appellate Authority, Range-49, is not giving any reply after one and half month of my First Appeal. It looks Income Tax department making Jokes of RTI Act
Dear Sir;
I am Uday Narayan Gupta. I am ex employee of Accord Financial Services A-60 Lajpat Nagar part-2, New Delhi-24.I resigned proper intimation and they give full and final statement and cheque and deduct tax on it.
The company deduct tax but not deposit to income tax even they withdraw my already deposit tax through revise return. Issue incorrect TDS certificate in several heads like shows less income, not include leave encashment, difference Mediclaim policy amount, not given 80 C rebate benefit and return my investment proof.
I complaint it to ITO Ward No 49(I) TDS laxmi Nagar New Delhi Shri S.P. Ahuja. Regarding tax evasion by the company they very next day inform to company and deposit the balance tax but not give the order to issue revise Form 16 and told me leave this matter. Take refund of tax. Company is not issuing revised certificate then what I will do? And show his helplessness. And take no legal action against tax evasive company.
ITO Shri.S. P Ahuja send me letter with unauthenticated/unsigned document by company. They show 25K cheques of my wife name as my income, and balance 73K shown convince reimbursement. I never signed any convince voucher.
Then I complaint about ITO & company nexus to Additional commissioner TDS, range 49 new Delhi, Director TDS Mayur Bhawan, Director Investigation Jhandewalan, Director Vigilance deen dayal upadhyay marg ITO, Satkarta Bhavan new Delhi. And put 6 RTIs to alls but unfortunately I got reply as information about forwarding application from Director TDS. Reply from director investigation as this office is not under RTI and 2 reply from same ITO Ward 49(I) they mitigate the things willfully and reply as your salary matter has been disposed of on 11.04.2011 and there is no discrepancy in your salary payment. I never received this letter even they confirmed in reply of my one RTI that this letter is not for you. In another RTI reply regarding convince reimbursement voucher ITO ward 49(I) give reference of polish report and harassing me.
I wrote 2 apple letter to Appellate Authority Addl Commissioner Income tax Range 49 room no 404 Aaykar Bhawan Laxmi Nagar Delhi-110091 but appellate authority give reply of some point which he himself created. Even they confirm partial Income in it.
I already wrote to pgportal on CBODT/E/2010/00379 dated 15.07.2010, CBODT/E/2011/00237 dated 06/04/2011, CBODT/E/2011/01967 dated 01.11.2011 but Status shows till today is UNDER PROCESS and in one complaint status is not pertaining in this ward and disposes off.
I also wrote to Income Tax Ombudsman then they reply me we are not dealing this type of matter. We are only concern tax refund.
My complaint letter was forwarded to the Section officer of Central Vigilance commission from Director general of Income Tax (Vigilance) vide DGIT(V)/FCR-O/TEP/410/11/1432 dated 07/07/2011. I also copy to Central Vigilance Commission of my last letter to ITO ward 49(1) by Speed post ED106312980IN on 23-03-2012 but no response till now.
Lastly file First Appeal against reply Submitted by Shri Ashok Kumar, CPIO & Income Tax Officer, TDS Ward-49 (1), New Delhi under his File No 170-W- 49(1)/RTI/2011-12/81 dated 19.06.2012 to the application dated 17-05-2012 to The Additional commissioner of Income Tax Appellate Authority, Range-49, Room No 404, 4th Floor, Aayakar Bhavan, Laxmi Nagar District Centre, Delhi-110092 on dated 16/07/2012 by Speed post ED673756154IN but no reply after one and half month. It looks Income Tax department making Jokes of RTI Act by not taking any action on my Appeal and also seems whole Income tax department saving Tax Evader Company.
I am facing problem with Income tax since last two years but no reply. I loose my job since January 2012.
Please help me where I should write? Or what should I do?
Regards,
Uday Gupta
223-D, Pocket-C
Mayur Vihar Phase-2
DELHI-110091
0-9891495190(M)
I file a RTI in income tax department ITO ward 49(1). I got reply in mitigated way. The CPIO sidelined my questions. Then I file First Appeal to Assist Commissioner TDS range 49 Laxmi Nagar. but after 45 days no reply from First Appeallet Authority. It seems Whole Incoeme department saving Tax Evader company Accord Financial Services A-60 Lajpat Nagar Part -2 NEW DELHI-24
please guide me what I will do If I not get any reply of my First Appeal.
It is great to have this information. Every body should follow this for the prosperity of our country and nation.
sir,jaihind
main police ki kam na karne babat rti dalna chahta hoon pls mujhe batayen ki kis address me rti bhejna hai.
dhanyawad.
Good info. Helped me a lot.
RTI THAT IS WHAT I AM THINKING RIGHT NOW ABOUT.
Private vendors short change DEOs
Sowmya Sivakumar, TNN Dec 3, 2011, 07.41AM IST
JAIPUR: This is a scam which may not run into millions but is at the cost of millions. Data entry operators (DEOs) who have been hired by private vendors selected by Bharat Electrical Limited (BEL) for the SECC 2011 in Rajasthan are being paid amounts far lower than that specified by BEL in its terms to its vendors.
…
"Each operator has to be paid Rs 13,000 for four enumeration blocks (EBs) or 2,000 records (i.e, individuals enumerated)… the terms also mention that the DEO's remuneration will be Rs 6,500 per month, calculated for two months and they have to be paid Rs 13,000 in any event if they complete 2,000 records," disclosed a senior BEL official. If the number of records is less than 2000, then the DEOs should be paid accordingly by vendors, he added.
On the field, however, the figures range between Rs 2,000 and Rs 6,600 for 40 days of work, depending on the district and vendor, but in any event, this falls far short of the BEL specifications and in some districts grossly violate the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. The direct impact of this has been on the survey-with absenteeism , and poorly trained DEOs on the field collecting data affecting millions and a high turnover.
"We were told that the DEOs would be paid Re 1 per individual enumerated ," disclosed Om Prakash, a supervisor at Gogunda tehsil, Udaipur district. A travel allowance is also paid, but most DEOs are from the panchayats they are surveying so this works out to be nominal. Each enumerator-DEO team is expected to survey 4 EBs over 40 days (10 days per EB) in the first phase of the survey . On this basis, the DEOs would get just Rs 2,000 for completing 2,000 individuals , or records, while the BEL specifies Rs 13,000 for the identical work.
In Jaipur district, Eagle representatives said a gross amount of Rs 6,600 will be paid to the DEOs for the entire period of work. "We are paying an amount of Rs 6,485 (including deductions) for a period of 45 days to each DEO who is expected to complete a minimum of 20-25 households per day," said Iven D' Cruz, project manager for SECC 2011 from the vendor Eagle Group. Also, there is no mention of incentives or holidays, which operators may want to take.
Unable to find qualified operators, the vendors have gone through placement companies, consultancies, tutorials and computer institutes to find DEOs, shelling out a commission of 20% or more per DEO. "We had to pay a minimum of Rs 1,000 per DEO to placement agencies due to shortage of trained operators as they are engaged in other massive exercises such as UID and NPR," explained Cruz. However , he added that they are now looking to get more operators through NGOs and volunteer channels
Dear sir/mam
i am Bhudutt Sharma from Dayanatpur(Jewar) G.B.Nagar(U.P.) . my Hero Honda Splender UP-16-N9830 has been stolan from jewar in 10-jan-2009 and i have all document of insurance(oriental) but company is not giving me any clame so suggest me or this. this is my contact no.09412642138
is there any hindi site is there for rti
:)
??? ?? !!!
Very informatics for us.
Very informatics for us.
Very informatics for us.
Very informatics for us.
Very informatics for us.
??? ?? !!!
On what grounds can you seek information under the RTI act?
As a citizen, applicant under the RTI and as an information seeker, you are not required to give any reasons if you wish to seek information under the RTI Act.
Is there a fee to file and RTI application?
Yes, as per the RTI Act 2005, applicants will incur fees and costs that include, but may not be limited to the following
Fee on initial application
Demand draft, banker’s cheque or cash with subsequent receipt of Rs. 10
Fees for information sought
Rs. 2 per page printed, copied or created in A4 or A3 size
Cost of the page or paper
Rs. 50 per disc if information is given in that form
Cost or actual price of sample or models requested under the RTI Act
Fees for inspection of records
First hour is free after which there is a fee of Rs. 5 per hour
How long will it take?
Information sought under the RTI 2005 will be supplied within a time period of 30 days. However it has been stated in the RTI Act 2005 guide that if the information ‘concerns the life and liberty of a person’, it will be supplied in 48 hours. Here are the details of various time limits for receiving information for your RTI application.
For PIO to reply to application
30 days from date of receipt of application
For PIO to transfer to another PA under Sec 6(3)
5 days from date of receipt of application
For PIO to issue notice to 3rd Party
5 days from date of receipt of application
For 3rd Party to make a representation to PIO
10 days from receipt of notice from PIO
For PIO to reply to application if 3rdParty involved
40 days from date of receipt of application
For applicant to make First Appeal
30 days from date of receipt of PIO’s reply or from date when reply was to be received
For First Appellate Authority to pass an order
30 days from receipt of First Appeal OR
Maximum 45 days, if reasons for delay are given in writing
For applicant to make Second Appeal before CIC/SIC
90 days from receipt of First Appeal orders or from the date when orders were to be received
For CIC/SIC to decide Second Appeal
No time limit specified
(table source)
The RTI Act 2005 guide also mentions that if you as an applicant have given your application to an Assistant CPIO or the wrong public authority, 5 days will be added to the generally prescribed time frame.
What if you don’t receive the RTI information or wish to appeal?
The RTI Act 2005 has set forth guidelines and procedures for applicants who have not been given the information they seek in time or are not satisfied with the information provided to them. Here is an overview of the appeals procedure
As an applicant, you should file an appeal with the relevant first appellate authority within 30 days of the date that was the last day of the expiry of the 30 day time period to supply information. [Please refer the timeline chart above]
Your appeal will be reviewed and disposed within 30 days of receipt, or 45 days in ‘exceptional cases’.
As an applicant, if your appeal is not disposed or you are still left unsatisfied, you can file a second appeal to Central Information Commission. This appeal must be done within 90 days from the date that was the last day of the 30 or 45 day time period of the first appeal.
Every Indian Citizen must know about this.
Every Indian Citizen must know about this.
Every Indian Citizen must know about this.
Sea of information,,,,very beautiful website i have seen for a long time…thanks creator….god bless you all…..
Good website to get all about RTI