Right to Information (RTI)
Right To Information
Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information. It is an initiative taken by the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions to provide an– RTI Portal Gateway to the citizens for quick search of information on the details of first Appellate Authorities, PIOs etc. amongst others. Besides access to RTI-related information/disclosures published on the web by various Public Authorities under the government of India as well as the State Governments.
Objectives
- To ensure greater and more effective access to information under the control of public authorities.
- To promote transparency and accountability in the working of public institutions/organizations.
Statutory provisions made for the right to information
Public Authority is under the obligation to provide information within 30 days from the date of request in normal cases or within 48 hours if the information is a matter of life or liberty of a person.
What does RIGHT TO INFORMATION mean?
The right to Inspection of work, document records Taking notes, extracts, or certified copies of documents or records; Taking certified samples of material.
What does INFORMATION mean?
It means any material in any form including Records (RECORD means: Any document, manuscript and file Any microfilm, microfiche and facsimile copy of a document, any reproduction of image embodied in such microfilm any other material produced by a computer or any other device)
- Documents
- Memos
- E-mails
- Opinions
- Advice/suggestions
- Press releases
INSTITUTIONAL SETUP
LEVEL 1: Individual Institution/ Organization / Department/ Office/ Establishment will have a Public Information Officer PIO (designated) or Assistant PIO (designated).PIO/APIO may seek the assistance of ANY OTHER OFFICER and this officer for contravention of the provisions of this act shall be treated as a PIO/APIO.
LEVEL 2: Appellant Authority. At the State Government Level have The State Information Commission The State Chief Information Commissioner State Information Commissioners ( not exceeding 10)
LEVEL 3: At the Central Government Level have The Central Information Commission The Chief Information Commissioner Central Information Commissioners ( < 10 )
Making Request to PIO/APIO
How to REQUEST?
1. Any Indian citizen can obtain information about any public authority, including documents and records by applying to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of that Authority through electronic means in English or Hindi or the official language
2. An applicant has to pay an application fee of Rs. 10/- with the application
3. The information will be made available on payment of cost as follow:
| Description of Information |
Price/Fees in Rupees |
| The fee along with the Application |
Rs. 10 per application |
| Where the information is available in the form of priced publication |
On printed price |
| For other than priced publication |
Rs. 2 per page of A-4 size or smaller and actual cost is subject to a minimum of Rs. 2/- per page in case of larger size |
| Where information is Available in electronic Floppy and CD etc. |
Rupees 50/- per Floppy and Rs. 100/- per CD |
| Fee for inspection of record/document |
Rs. 20 per 30 minutes or fraction thereof |
4. Payment is to be made by Treasury Challan/Bank draft/Indian Postal Order.
5. No fees will be charged to people living below the Poverty Line.