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What is RTI? The Right to Information Act explained simply

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Short answer

RTI is the Right to Information Act, 2005. It lets any Indian citizen ask a government office in writing for records, file status, expenditure and similar information. The office generally has to reply within 30 days.

What can you ask for?

  • Where your application or file is now, and who holds it.
  • The amount sanctioned and spent on a work, and who the contractor is.
  • The order that sets the official fee and time limit for a service.
  • Permission to inspect office records, and certified copies of them.

Who do you ask?

Every government office (a "public authority" in the Act) has a Public Information Officer (PIO). Apply to the PIO of the office that holds the information. For how to write it, see How to write an RTI application.

Fee and time limit

ItemWhat usually applies
Application feeRs 10 is the practice in Tamil Nadu. Rules can change, so confirm at the office or on the official portal.
Below Poverty Line (BPL)No fee; attach the BPL certificate.
Time to replyGenerally 30 days; 48 hours where a person’s life or liberty is involved.

Will you get everything?

No. Section 8 exempts some information, such as matters of national security or personal information with no public interest. The PIO also only has to give information that exists; they do not have to explain or offer opinions. Asking "which document shows this?" works better than asking "why?".

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to give a reason for an RTI request?

No. You do not have to say why you want the information. Your name, address and questions are enough.

Can I ask a private company under RTI?

Generally not. RTI applies to government bodies and organisations funded by government. If a government office holds information about a private company, you can ask for that.

Related guides

Right to Information (RTI)How to write an RTI application: 6 steps and a sample formatWhat to write in an RTI application, where to submit it and how to pay the fee, with a sample application you can copy.Bribery: what you can doWhat to do if a government officer asks for a bribe: 7 stepsWhat you can do, and what to avoid, when a bribe is demanded at a government office in Tamil Nadu, and where you can complain.

Official sources

General information, not legal advice. NoLanjam is not a government body.