Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizens’ requests for government information. It is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training to provide a portal gateway for quick search of Appellate Authorities, PIOs and RTI disclosures published by public authorities.
Objective of the RTI Act
The Act empowers citizens, promotes transparency and accountability, helps contain corruption and strengthens democracy by making government activity more open and subject to public oversight.
Any Indian citizen may apply to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of a public authority.
An application fee of Rs. 10/- is payable at the time of applying (BPL applicants are exempt).
Charges for information
Description of Information
Price / Fees (Rs.)
Fee along with application
10
Where information is a priced publication
Printed price
For other than priced publication
Rs. 2 per A4 page (or actual cost for larger sizes)
Electronic media (Floppy / CD)
Floppy: 50 | CD: 100
Inspection of records / documents
Rs. 20 per 30 minutes (or fraction)
Payment modes: Treasury Challan / Bank draft / Indian Postal Order.
BPL applicants are exempt from fees.
If an application is refused, an appeal may be filed with the Appellate Authority within 30 days; a second appeal lies with the State Information Commission within 90 days.
No fees are charged for appeals.
Information whose disclosure would affect sovereignty and integrity of India or security/strategic/economic interests.
Information prohibited for publication by a court or whose disclosure may constitute contempt of court.
Information that would infringe privileges of Parliament or State Legislature.
Commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property that would harm a third party's competitive position (unless larger public interest).
Information in fiduciary relationships (unless larger public interest).
Information received in confidence from foreign governments.
Information that could endanger life or physical safety of any person or identify confidential law-enforcement sources.
Information that would impede investigation or apprehension of offenders.
Cabinet papers and records of deliberations.
Personal information with no public interest that would invade privacy (unless larger public interest).
Information that cannot be denied to Parliament/State Legislature shall not be denied to any person.
