The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers Indian citizens to seek transparency from government bodies. Enacted in 2005, the law mandates public authorities to provide timely responses to RTI applications. If you want to file an RTI in 2025, whether online or offline, this guide will walk you through the entire process, including eligibility, fees, formats, and expected response times.
What is RTI and Why is it Important?
The RTI Act enables individuals to request information from government departments, ensuring accountability and preventing corruption. It applies to all central and state government agencies, public sector units (PSUs), and organizations receiving government funding. The Act has been instrumental in uncovering scams, improving governance, and empowering citizens with information.
Who Can File an RTI?
Any Indian citizen can file an RTI application. This includes individuals, groups, and legal entities like NGOs. However, RTI does not apply to:
- Private companies (unless they receive government aid/funding)
- Sensitive information affecting national security (e.g., intelligence agencies like RAW, IB)
- Matters related to personal privacy, except in public interest
How to File an RTI in 2025?
Filing an RTI request is simple and can be done in two ways:
- Online through the RTI portal
- Offline via a written application
Method 1: Filing an RTI Online (Recommended)
The easiest way to file an RTI in 2025 is through the official RTI portal https://rtionline.gov.in. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Official RTI Portal
- Go to the RTI Online website and click on Submit Request.
- Select the Public Authority
- Choose the correct government department related to your query (e.g., Ministry of Railways, Income Tax Department).
- Enter Your Personal Details
- Provide your name, contact details, and address as required.
- Draft Your RTI Query
- Clearly state your question(s) in simple language.
- Keep questions specific (e.g., “Provide details of road repair projects in XYZ area between 2022-2025”).
- Pay the RTI Fee
- The standard application fee is ₹10, payable via debit card, credit card, UPI, or internet banking.
- Submit the Application and Note the Reference Number
- After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment with a reference number to track your request.
Method 2: Filing an RTI Offline (Handwritten Application)
If you prefer offline filing, follow these steps:
- Write the RTI Application
- Address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the relevant department.
- Mention “Seeking information under the RTI Act, 2005” in the subject line.
- State your questions clearly and concisely.
- Attach the RTI Fee
- Include a postal order, demand draft, or cash payment of ₹10.
- Send the Application via Speed Post or Registered Post
- Mail your RTI application to the concerned government department’s RTI office.
- Keep a copy of the application and postal receipt for tracking purposes.
- Track Your RTI Request
- Follow up if you do not receive a response within 30 days.
RTI Fees & Exemptions
The standard RTI application fee is ₹10, but additional charges apply for:
- Printed pages: ₹2 per page (A4 size)
- CD format information: ₹50 per CD
- Inspection of documents: Free for the first hour, then ₹5 per hour
Exemptions: Individuals below the poverty line (BPL) are not required to pay fees but must provide proof (BPL card copy).
Timeframe for RTI Responses
Government authorities must respond within 30 days. However:
- If your RTI request concerns life or liberty, a response is due within 48 hours.
- If your application is sent to the wrong department, they must transfer it within 5 days.
What to Do If You Don’t Get a Response?
If you don’t receive a satisfactory response, you can appeal:
- First Appeal: File an appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the concerned department within 30 days.
- Second Appeal: If unresolved, file an appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC).
- File a Complaint: In case of deliberate delay or refusal, you can file a complaint directly with CIC/SIC.
RTI Success Stories
Over the years, RTI has helped expose major government mismanagement and fraud. Examples include:
- Adarsh Housing Scam: RTI applications revealed irregularities in property allocation.
- Food Subsidy Scandal: Exposed corruption in public distribution systems.
- Transparency in Exam Results: Students have used RTI to obtain answer sheets from government exams.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing RTI
- Vague Questions: Be precise; broad queries may get rejected.
- Requesting Opinions: RTI is for factual information, not opinions.
- Wrong Authority: Ensure you send the request to the correct department.
- Exceeding Word Limit: Keep your RTI query within 300 words.
Conclusion
Filing an RTI in 2025 remains a powerful way to demand transparency and accountability from the government. Whether online or offline, the process is straightforward. By following this step-by-step guide, you can seek the information you need efficiently. RTI empowers every citizen to play an active role in governance, making democracy stronger.
Have you filed an RTI before? Share your experience in the comments below!