RTI web portal launched - Citizens can file RTI applications online
9 Mar, 2013In a major step to promote transparency and to simplify the process of accessing information, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has started a pilot project for online filing of application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The DoPT has created a new website portal - http://rtionline.gov.in/ through which citizens will be able to file RTI applications. The application fee of Rs. 10/- for filing the application can also be deposited through online banking. As the applicant files an application, a unique registration number will be provided to them using which the applicants can check the status of their requests.
Initially, the facility has been started as a pilot project with DoPT as the single participant. The government plans to roll out the facility at all ministries and departments situated at New Delhi. Later on the facility will be expanded to cover the whole nation. For the time being, the replies to the applications will not be generated online; the electronically generated replies are expected to begin in six months. Nevertheless, the online facility will make the process of filing RTI applications more convenient as the applicants won’t need to visit the offices.
An applicant can pay the prescribed RTI fee through the following modes:
(i) Internet banking through SBI and its associated banks.
(ii) Using ATM-cum-Debit card of State Bank of India.
It may be noted that no RTI fee is required to be paid by any citizen who is below poverty line, as per RTI Rules, 2012. However, the applicant must attach a copy of the certificate issued by the appropriate government in this regard, along with the application.
On submission of an application, a unique registration number will be issued, which may be referred by the applicant for any future reference. The application filed through this RTI Online Portal will reach electronically to the “Nodal Officer” of the said Ministry/Department and “not” to the CPIO of the concerned Ministry/Department. The Nodal Officer will transmit the RTI application, either electronically or physically to the concerned CPIO.
In case additional fee representing the cost is required for providing information, the Nodal Officer will intimate the same, which can be viewed by the applicant through ‘View Status’ option in the RTI Online Portal and an e-mail alert will be sent to the applicant for the same. For submitting the additional fee online, the applicant needs to use the option ‘View Status’ in the RTI Online Portal and on providing the registration number of the request option for ‘Make Payment’ will provided.