Can RTI be filed Online?

The Indian government has adopted a number of legislation to combat corruption and promote good governance. One of these laws, the Right to Information Act, sometimes known as the RTI Act, is significant.

The RTI Act gives every Indian person the right to seek information from the federal and state governments. Here are a few examples of questions you can ask to get information.

1. The cause of the delay in issuing driving permits.
2. Incurred costs for a government development project.
3. Requesting an explanation for PSU Bank’s decision to stop offering passbooks and other banking services

Similar to this, anybody may request information from federal and state authorities under this Act.

Responses to citizen requests for government information must be made promptly under the Right to Information Act of 2005. In addition to giving citizens access to RTI-related information/disclosures posted online by various Public Authorities under the government of India as well as the State Governments, the Department of Personnel and Training and the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions have taken the initiative to provide a- RTI Portal Gateway to the citizens for quick search of information on the details of first Appellate Authorities, PIOs, among other things.

The Right to Information Act’s main goals are to empower citizens, encourage accountability and openness in government operations, combat corruption, and truly makes democracy work for the people. It goes without saying that an informed citizen is better able to maintain the essential watchfulness on the tools of governance and increase the accountability of the government to the governed. The Act is a significant step forward in educating the public about government operations.

The process of filing RTI information through online:

You must submit a written request to the relevant department’s public authority in order to obtain information. A person with public authority is in charge of providing the information. Therefore, a person is designated as the public authority to offer information in every government institution.

Now, RTI applications can be submitted online (rtionline.gov.in). Please take note that Indian citizens can submit RTI applications or first appeals for all Ministries, Departments, and other Public Authorities of the Central Government through the aforementioned portal. The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) of the Government of India is responsible for this website.

1. Visit https://rtionline.gov.in for further information.
2. Click here to make a request or RTI application.
3. You will then receive a list of the rules for the RTI online portal. You must check the box next to “I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE GUIDELINES” after reading all the instructions. Then, click the submit button.
4. An RTI form will then be sent to you online. You must highlight three crucial points. – (1) From the Select Ministry/Department/Apex body option, choose the Department or Ministry about which you need information. (2) Give your contact information, such as your name, address, and phone number. (3) Mention the details you need from the relevant department.
5. As an RTI fee, you must pay Rs 10. According to the RTI Rules of 2012, any citizen who is living in poverty is not required to pay an RTI fee. If a person falls under the BPL category, s/he must upload a copy of their BPL card certificate in the supporting document area and check the box next to “Is the Applicant Below Poverty Line? The applicant simply clicks the submit button to submit. 
6. For non-BPL applicants, a Rs. 10 fees can be paid using internet banking, Master/Visa debit/credit cards, RuPay cards, and UPI. The application may be filed after the money has been made.
7. Following application submission, a special registration number would be given, which you might use as a reference in the future. If a mobile number is provided, you will also receive an email and SMS notice upon application submission.

Guidelines:

1. Indian people can submit RTI requests online through this web portal, as well as pay for RTI requests online. You can also submit your first appeal online.
2. Any applicant seeking information under the RTI Act may submit a request to the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India via this website.
3. The applicant may pay the required fee in the following ways: (a) Internet banking; (b) using a Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card; or (c) using a RuPay Card.
4. Application fees are as specified in the RTI Rules, 2012.
5. An application may be submitted after payment has been made.
6. Wait for 24-48 working hours if you didn’t get your registration number right away after making your payment because it will be generated following reconciliation. Please refrain from trying to make the payment again.