RTI Application Form

What is an RTI Application Form?

An RTI Application Form is a letter through which an Indian citizen can request information from the offices and departments of the state and central governments. This can be used for any kind of information which is supposed to be in public knowledge. The information/documents sought must be clear and specific to avoid any delay or confusion.

According to the law Public Authorities (government officials) are required to disclose various aspects of their structure and functions. The Right to Information includes the right to:

• Inspect works, documents, records;
• Take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records;
• Take certified samples of material;
• Obtain information in the form of printouts, tapes, videos, or any other electronic mode.

Is it mandatory to have an RTI Application Form?

Yes. The person seeking the information shall submit a written application to the concerned authority along with applicable fees.

What does "Public Authority" mean?

The Public Authority includes bodies of self-government established under the constitution or any law or government notification. It also includes any entities (for instance Non-Government Organizations) owned, controlled or substantially financed by the government.

Who can file the Form?

Only an Indian citizen can file an RTI Application Form. This includes an individual, a representative of an organization, or any entity recognized as a citizen under Indian law.

What is not allowed in the Form?

Some information, however, is restricted information and cannot be disclosed. Restricted Information includes:

• The information, disclosure of which would adversely affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the state, relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence.
• The information that has been expressly forbidden to be published by any court of law or tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute contempt of court (disobedient to the court).
• The information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of the third party, unless the competent authority satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information.
• The information which would impede or affect the process of investigation, apprehension or prosecution of offenders.
• Personal information, which has no relationship to any public activity or interest or which would cause an unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual.

What is the period to respond to the Form?

The Information sought should be provided within 30 days from the date of application. The period can be extended in exceptional situations. If the information sought is voluminous or the inspection is required, then the Applicant through this form can apply for a time slot for inspection of the public documents.

What has to be done once an RTI Application Form is ready?

After filling this letter, the Applicant shall sign the document. The Application can be submitted to the concerned department either through an online or an offline method. The name and address of the concerned Authority can be found on their respective websites.

The RTI application fee ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 100, varying by states and UTs. Payment methods include online payment, cash, demand draft, or postal order, depending on the rules of each state.

For Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders, the RTI application fee is fully exempt. However, additional charges for copying, testing, and other services may apply.

A copy of the Application can be kept by the Applicant for any future reference. If the RTI Application is submitted directly at the office, it is better to take acknowledgement from the concerned officer.

What must an RTI Application Form contain?

This document includes the mandatory information such as:

• Details of the department.
• The information sought.
• Supporting documents such as BPL card and ID showing Indian citizenship.
• Details of the applicant.
• Fee payment details.

Which laws are applicable to an RTI Application Form?

The right to information is regulated under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act).

How to modify the template?

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.