What is RTI (Right to Information)?
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is a landmark law in India that gives every citizen the legal right to access information from the government. It promotes transparency, accountability, and participatory democracy.
This means any Indian citizen can ask for official records, decisions, documents, and reasons for government actions and the government must respond within 30 days.
️ How RTI Works: The Structure
The RTI Act is both centralised and decentralised in its approach.
✅ Central Level
The Central Government has a main body:
Central Information Commission (CIC) based in New Delhi
Oversees all central government departments, ministries, and institutions (like Railways, Income Tax, Ministries, etc.)
✅ State Level
Each state has its own:
State Information Commission (SIC)
RTI Rules (administrative procedures may vary from state to state)
SIC oversees state departments, state-run universities, local bodies, police, panchayats, etc.
RTI is a national law, but its application is decentralised across central and state levels for effective governance.
Three Levels of RTI Implementation
| Level | Authority | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Central | Central Information Commission | RTI to Ministry of Education |
| State | State Information Commission | RTI to Bihar Police or Health Dept. |
| Local | Public Information Officers (PIOs) | RTI to Municipality, Panchayat, etc. |
How to File an RTI
Identify the Department (Central or State)
Write the RTI Application (simple question-based format)
Submit to the PIO (Public Information Officer)
Pay ₹10 Fee (Online/Offline/IPO depending on the department)
Get Reply in 30 Days (If not, you can appeal)
State-wise RTI System
| State | Has State RTI Website | Has Online RTI Filing | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Yes | No | Manual filing required |
| Bihar | Yes | No | State RTI Portal exists, offline RTI mostly |
| Delhi | Yes | Yes | Full digital access |
| Karnataka | Yes | No | Offline, but active SIC |
| Kerala | Yes | No | RTIOnline portal under NIC for some departments |
| Maharashtra | Yes | Yes | Robust SIC, good usage |
| Tamil Nadu | Yes | No | Mostly offline |
| Telangana | Yes | No | Manual, but RTI activists active |
| Uttar Pradesh | Yes | Partial | Limited online RTI options |
| West Bengal | Yes | No | Offline with paper application |
⚠️ Many State RTI websites are outdated or partially functional, so offline RTI remains more common in many states.
RTI Empowerment for Journalists and Citizens
✅ Journalists Use RTI For:
Investigating government spending
Checking criminal records of politicians
Accessing information on police actions
Uncovering scams and corruption
Getting minutes of meetings or tenders
✅ Citizens Use RTI For:
Knowing how taxes are spent
Tracking ration card or pension status
Understanding school/hospital funding
Demanding road, drainage, or civic works
⚖️ Legal Backing of RTI
RTI is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution (freedom of speech & expression), as recognized by the Supreme Court.
RTI Limits & Exemptions
Not all info is shared. RTI does not allow:
Info affecting national security
Personal data (without public interest)
Cabinet decisions (before finalized)
Info under Official Secrets Act
Appeals and Complaints
If you don’t get a response within 30 days:
First Appeal – To the senior officer of the PIO
Second Appeal – To CIC or SIC
You can also file a complaint directly with CIC/SIC
Why RTI Matters
RTI is not just a tool — it’s power in your hands.
Makes government answerable
Gives voice to the voiceless
Protects democracy
Empowers investigative journalism
