How To File RTI in Rajasthan?
Implemented in 2005, the Right to Information (RTI) Act allows all Indian citizens to request information from any government office. It helps citizens understand how government departments function, how public money is spent, and the progress made on various projects. RTI is a powerful tool for promoting honesty, transparency, and accountability in governance.
RTI in Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, there are two ways to file RTI applications:
- Online: You can fill out and submit your application through the official RTI Rajasthan website using your phone or computer.
- Offline: You can write your application on paper and submit it to the appropriate government office, either in person or by post.
Both options provide easy access to information without requiring much time or effort.
Eligibility to File RTI
Any citizen of India can file an RTI (Right to Information) application in Rajasthan. There is no age restriction, which means everyone, young or old, can exercise this right. The only requirement is that the applicant must be a citizen of India. There are no other specific conditions. The RTI Act is designed to be simple and accessible to everyone, including those who cannot read or write or have never been to school.
If a person cannot read or write, they only need to verbally express their request to the Public Information Officer (PIO). The PIO must then put it in writing and read it back to the applicant to ensure it accurately reflects their request. The application does not need to be written on a new or clean sheet of paper. The PIO must accept it even if it is written on a crumpled or torn piece of paper, as long as the writing is legible. An RTI application can be submitted in person, by post, or online through the official RTI website of Rajasthan.
Modes of Filing RTI in Rajasthan
- RTI applications in Rajasthan can be submitted either online or offline.
- If your application is related to a central government office, you should use the RTI Online portal.
- To use the portal, you need to create a user account, fill out the application form, pay any applicable fees online, and submit your application electronically.
- For matters related to the Rajasthan state government, it is recommended to submit your RTI application offline or, if needed, through the State Information Commission via the Rajasthan government’s official website.
- To file offline, download the required RTI form, fill it out, pay any applicable fees, and submit it either in person or by post to the relevant Public Information Officer (PIO).
- The RTI Online portal is mainly intended for central government matters and should only be used if your query is directed to a central department. For state-related matters, use the Rajasthan RTI portal, which is specifically designed for state-level applications.
- You may also contact the RTI office directly after confirming that your application concerns a state-level issue. Additionally, you can call the RTI helpline or visit your local RTI office for assistance.
Steps to File RTI Online in Rajasthan
If you are looking to submit an RTI application online in Rajasthan for any central government department, follow these steps:
- Use the RTI Online Portal: Go to rtionline.gov.in
- Register or Log In: If you’re a new user, create an account by clicking Sign Up. Otherwise, log in to your existing account.
- Click on Submit Request: After logging in, click on Submit Request from the main dashboard.
- Select Ministry/Department: From the list, select the appropriate Ministry or Department of the Government of India.
- Fill in the Application Form: Enter your name, address, and contact details. Enter your name, address, and contact details. Clearly describe the information you are requesting in the message box. If you have supporting documents, you can upload them in PDF format only (maximum size: 1 MB).
- Pay the Fee (If Any): If you are above the poverty line, you must pay a fee of ₹10. This can be paid via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
- Submit the Application: Review your details and click Submit. You will receive an acknowledgment with a registration number, which you can use to track your RTI.
- Track Your RTI: You can return to the RTI Online portal at any time and use your registration number to check the status of your application.
Steps to File RTI Offline in Rajasthan
If you want to file an RTI application offline in Rajasthan, follow these simple steps:
- Identify the Right Department and Officer
Start by identifying which government department holds the information you need. Then, find out the name and office address of the relevant Public Information Officer (PIO) for that department. - Write a Clear Application
Write a simple and clear application explaining exactly what information you are requesting. Make sure your questions are easy to understand. Include your full name, address, and contact number so the PIO can respond to you. - Pay the RTI Fee
The standard RTI application fee in Rajasthan is ₹10. For land record information, the fee is ₹50.
You can pay the fee using a Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, or Indian Postal Order (IPO), made payable to the appropriate department. - Submit the Application
Send your application along with the fee to the PIO’s office. You can do this by:
- Registered post with acknowledgment receipt
- Submitting it in person at the office
- Keep a Copy for Reference
Always keep a copy of your RTI application and proof of payment or delivery. This will be helpful in case you need to follow up later. - Wait for a Response and Follow Up if Needed
The concerned department is required to respond within 30 days.
If you do not receive a response within this time, you can file a First Appeal with the First Appellate Authority of the same department.
Tracking RTI Application Status
To check the status of your RTI application in Rajasthan, visit the RTI Rajasthan Status Portal. Once on the website, enter your application number. You will then be able to view the current status, any remarks from the department, and the official response to your request.
When Will You Receive a Response?
According to the RTI Act, the concerned government office must respond within 30 days from the date it receives your application. However, if your request involves a matter of life or personal safety, the response must be provided within 48 hours.
Tips for Writing a Clear RTI Application
When writing an RTI application, keep your questions concise and clear. Ask for specific pieces of information, and avoid using emotional or vague language. If you have more than one question, use bullet points to make your application easier to read. Also, remember to ask only for factual information, not for opinions.
Simple RTI Application Format
To
The Public Information Officer
[Department Name]
[Office Address]
Subject: Request for Information under the RTI Act, 2005
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request the following information under the Right to Information Act, 2005:
• [Your first question]
• [Your second question]
• [Add more questions if needed]
I would be grateful if the requested information is provided within the stipulated time as per the RTI Act.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Full Address]
[Mobile Number]
What Happens After Filing RTI?
After you file an RTI application in Rajasthan, the Public Information Officer (PIO) must provide the information within 30 days.
If you do not receive a reply on time or are dissatisfied with the response, you can file an appeal.
First Appeal
If you don’t receive a response within 30 days, or if the information is incomplete or incorrect, you can file a First Appeal. This appeal should be addressed to the First Appellate Authority, a senior officer in the same department.
You must submit this appeal within 30 days of receiving the reply or from the end of the 30-day response period.
Second Appeal
If you are still not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, you can file a Second Appeal. This should be submitted to the Rajasthan State Information Commission (RIC). You need to file the Second Appeal within 90 days from the date you receive the First Appellate Authority’s decision.
Conclusion
Filing an RTI (Right to Information) application in Rajasthan is a simple and effective way to access important government-held information. Whether you submit it online or offline, following the correct steps ensures your application is processed smoothly. Stay informed, ask clear and direct questions, and use your right to information to promote an open and accountable government system.
