How to file an RTI? A Complete Guide In Just Few Steps

October12

How to file an RTI? A Complete Guide In Just Few Steps

The Right To Information (RTI) Act 2005 is an amended version of Freedom of Information Act 2002. The act permits any Indian citizen to seek any required information from a state or central government office or department. The RTI Act mandates that the government respond to citizen’s requests for any such information in a timely manner. RTI is viewed as one of the most powerful legislation in India that gives the citizen right to question any public authority and their activities. Whether or not you are involved in the poor maintenance of roads in your area or the problem in water connection or cleanliness or the processing of pension, the RTI act enables you to seek ant information in the public domain. The RTI Act vouchsafes for the transparency within the operating of each office department and the working of every government department or accountability of each public authority’s work.

Steps to file an RTI online application-

• First, you must apprehend in which department you wish to file your Right to Information Act, 2005 application. You can do a fast analysis about the same. 
• Now visit their RTI online portal and click on to register yourself. Once you’re registered, begin your application process by clicking on the "Submit Request" button on the home page.
• Before beginning your application, you must undergo and perceive the rules related to the Right to Information Act and acknowledge it by digitally signing the form. Once you are through with acknowledgement of the form, you will be able to start filing your application on the next page.
• While filling the form, first of you must select the department which must cater to your request, then you must fill in your personal details like email id and phone number. After you submit the application for your Right to Information Act application which should be brief about the context for your RTI request you are raising. You can then brief your application within a limit of 3000 words. You must keep it clear and easy and mention what you’re seeking from that department like dates and status. You ought to not use difficult words in your application which are difficult to understand.
• Then there is a section where you’ll be able to submit all the supporting documents.
• There is a fee of INR 10 whereas submitting your RTI application which you’ll be able to easily make through your debit or credit card through an online transaction option available on their website.
• Once you have done it all and have submitted your application then you get a Registration ID which you must secure for future reference.
• You can now track your application status through your login on their website with a reference number provided to you while submission. There are different departments to inform you on your application within 30 days of submission or else they can be penalized with a penalty upto INR 25,000 and different legal obligations can be obligatory on them.

Offline Method

• Like within the case of online application you ought to first identify the government and the authority from which you seek the information.
• Once the above step is complete, you need to write an application on a white sheet of paper to the “Public Information Officer” of such authority or department, followed by the name and address of the department.
• In the Subject line of the written application mention seeking Information under the Right To Information Act, 2005.
• You should enlist all such points in the form of questions upon which you want to receive information. It includes details if you want specific information such as dates and years.
• Once the application is complete, do not forget to mention the date of the application and the details of the postal order of Rupees 10 which you want to attach along with the application. These Postal Orders can be received from any post office in India at any time before 3 PM. Also, the people below the poverty line are not required to attach the postal order or make the fee payment, but they must attach a copy of the BPL Certificate.
• You should sign the Application form with your full name and address along with the date and send it through a registered post to the office of the concerned authority.
• If a reply is not received within 30 days, an appeal can be filed with the Appellate Authority.