Right to Information (RTI)

The RTI filing fee depends on whether you are applying to a central or state government authority:

• Central Government: ₹10 (cash, demand draft, IPO, or online)
• State Governments: ₹10–₹50 (varies by state)
• BPL (Below Poverty Line) applicants: No fee — attach a copy of your BPL card

Additional charges apply for information provided: ₹2 per page of A4/A3, ₹50 per diskette or floppy, actual cost for samples or models.

Under the RTI Act 2005, the Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond within:

• 30 days from the date of receipt of the application
• 48 hours if the information concerns the life or liberty of a person
• 40 days if the application was transferred to another public authority

If there is no response within 30 days, it is deemed a refusal and you can file a First Appeal within 30 days of the deadline.

Yes. RTI can be filed online for central government ministries and departments through the official RTI Online Portal at rtionline.gov.in.

Steps: Register → Select Ministry/Department → Write your request → Pay ₹10 online → Submit. You can also track the status and receive responses online.

For state government departments, availability varies. Most states (Delhi, Maharashtra, UP, Tamil Nadu, etc.) have their own portals. Physical/postal applications are always accepted.

If you receive no response within 30 days, you have two options:

1. First Appeal: File before the First Appellate Authority (an officer senior to the PIO) within 30 days of the deadline. Decision must come within 30 days (extendable to 45 days).
2. Second Appeal / Complaint to CIC/SIC: If the First Appeal fails or there is still no response, file a Second Appeal before the Central/State Information Commission (CIC/SIC) within 90 days.

The Information Commission can impose a penalty of ₹250/day up to ₹25,000 on the PIO for unjustified delay or refusal.