RTI Filing admin June 9, 2023
Procedure Of Filing RTI Applications

Under the provisions of the RTI Act 2005, individuals have the right to draft and submit applications to public authorities and ministries of the central or state governments, enabling them to seek information on a wide range of topics.

Rights under the RTI Act 2005 include:
  1. Work, Document, and Record Inspection
  2. Note-Taking, Extracts, and Certified Copies
  3. Certified Sample Acquisition
  4. Obtaining Information in Electronic Format
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Overview

The Right to Information Act (RTI) has a crucial objective of fostering transparency and accountability within public authorities. It plays a vital role as a channel for citizens to seek clarification and address queries. With the advancement of technology, digital filing of RTI applications has made the process more convenient and user-friendly. Individuals have the option to file an RTI application offline or through the official website by creating an account. It is important to note that certain confidential information, such as military data related to national security, is exempted from disclosure under the RTI Act.

What Is RTI

The Right to Information (RTI) Act grants every citizen the power to request and obtain desired information about the operations, schemes, or policies of any organization. By submitting an application to the relevant authority, individuals can exercise their right to access information, enabling them to stay informed and empowered.

Eligibility Criteria for Filing an RTI Application

  1. The journey of the Right to Information (RTI) Act can be traced back to the 1990s when the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), an organization in Rajasthan, initiated a movement advocating for access to information. This grassroots movement gained national momentum and led to the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act in 2002. It was a significant milestone in the quest for the right to information, particularly in Rajasthan. Numerous activists and organizations joined the cause, fueled by the realization that citizens needed access to government processes to ensure accountability and transparency.

    After considerable struggle, the Right to Information Act was ultimately implemented. As per Section 3 of the RTI Act, any Indian citizen has the right to access information. Additionally, Section 6 of the Act states that individuals seeking information should submit an application to the relevant authority. The RTI Act also extends its provisions to non-resident Indians (NRIs) who are eligible to file an RTI application. Therefore, citizens of India, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and persons of Indian origin (PIOs) are all eligible to file an RTI application.

Filing an RTI Application

RTI applications can be filed through both offline and online methods. Here are the steps to follow for each method:

Offline RTI Application Process:

  1. Determine the relevant department or authority from which you seek information.
  2. Write or type the application in Hindi, English, or the local language, depending on the jurisdiction.
  3. Clearly mention the address of the concerned authority, along with your name, communication address, and place of residence.
  4. Specify the exact queries for which you are seeking information. There is no limit on the number of queries.
  5. Pay the prescribed fee in the form of cash, bank draft, or court fee stamp. Attach proof of Below Poverty Line status if applicable.
  6. Submit the application via post or hand-delivery to the concerned authority. Obtain an acknowledgment receipt upon submission.

Online RTI Application Process:

  1. Visit the official website https://rtionline.gov.in and register by creating a username and password.
  2. Accept the guidelines for filing RTI on the website.
  3. Access the RTI application request form at https://rtionline.gov.in/request/request.php. Select the relevant department.
  4. Fill in the required information within the 3000-word limit in the ‘text for RTI application’ box. Upload supporting documents if necessary.
  5. Submit the application to generate a unique registration number.
  6. Pay the nominal fee of Rs 10 using internet banking or debit card.
  7. Upon successful submission, you will receive an email and message confirming the application.

Note: The specific procedures may vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction and respective government rules and regulations.

Designated Authorities for Filing RTI Applications

Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, individuals can request information from government authorities at the central, state, or local levels. Each level of government has its own specific areas of jurisdiction and responsibilities. For instance, issues falling within the purview of the Central Government should be addressed to the relevant ministry or department.

It is important to note that while the RTI Act promotes transparency, it also recognizes the need to protect sensitive information in the interest of national security. Certain classified or confidential information may not be disclosed, even if an RTI application is filed. This ensures that the government maintains the safety and security of the nation while upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.

In Summary

The Right to Information (RTI) acts as a crucial tool for citizens to strike a balance between the administration and functioning of government authorities. It recognizes the vital role played by the government in society and aims to prevent the arbitrary exercise of power. By granting citizens the right to seek information, the RTI empowers individuals to hold the government accountable for its actions.

While transparency is a fundamental principle, it is also important to acknowledge that certain information of a sensitive and confidential nature cannot be shared with the public. Safeguarding such information ensures the proper functioning of the government and upholds the national interest. By striking a balance between transparency and confidentiality, the RTI Act ensures responsible governance while respecting the need for privacy and security.