Right to Information (RTI)

The Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 holds the pivotal role of ensuring timely and transparent access to government information in response to citizens’ requests. This significant initiative is overseen by the Department of Personnel and Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The RTI Portal Gateway stands as a vital tool that enables citizens to swiftly locate details of first Appellate Authorities, Public Information Officers (PIOs), and more. Additionally, it grants access to a spectrum of RTI-related information and disclosures made available by various Public Authorities under the purview of the Government of India and State Governments.

Objective of the Right to Information Act

The underlying objective of the Right to Information Act is to empower citizens by fostering transparency, accountability, and curbing corruption within the framework of governmental operations. A fundamental aspect is to instill a more profound sense of democracy by making government actions and proceedings accessible to the people. This approach recognizes the undeniable truth that an informed citizenry is a potent force in ensuring effective governance and compelling authorities to be answerable to those they serve. This legislation represents a significant stride in empowering citizens with insights into government activities.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

1. Any Indian citizen holds the privilege to access information pertaining to any facet of our public authority, encompassing documents and records. To avail this information, a formal application must be submitted to the designated Public Information Officer (PIO) of the respective authority.

2. A nominal application fee of Rs. 10/- accompanies the submission of the application.

3. The information you seek can be accessed upon remitting the following cost:

Payment is to be made by Treasury Challan/Bank draft/Indian Postal Order.
BPL (Below Poverty Line) persons need not pay the application fee or any additional fee.
In case a request for the information is refused or the request is not properly responded, an appeal can be filed with the Appellate Authority within 30 days. A second appeal lies with the State Information Commission within 90 days.
There are no fees for appeals.

Information can be refused only on the following grounds:

Information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the Security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the States relation with forging State or lead to incitement of an offence.

Information which has been expressly forbidden to be published by any court of law or tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute contempt of court.

Information, the disclosure of which would cause a branch of privilege of Parliament or the State legislature.

Information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information.

Information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information.

Information received in confidence from foreign Government.

Information the disclosure of which would enlarge the life of physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes.

Information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension precaution of offenders.

Cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers.

Information which relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual unless the Central Public Information Officer or the State Public Information Officer or the Appellate Authority, as the case may be, is satisfied that the larger public interest justifies, the disclosure of such information.

Provided that the information which cannot be denied to the Parliament or a State Legislative shall not be denied to any person.