How to request for obtaining the information?

How to Request Information under the RTI Act, 2005

1. Writing the Application

Section 6(1): A person who desires to obtain any information under this Act shall make a request in writing or through electronic means in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area in which the application is being made.

Content of the Application: The application should include:

1. The particulars of the information sought.
2. The RTI fee (if applicable).
3. The applicant's contact details.

2. Submission of the Application

Section 6(1): The application should be submitted to the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) or State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the concerned public authority.

Section 6(2): If the applicant is unable to make a written request, the CPIO or SPIO shall render reasonable assistance to the person making the request orally to reduce the same in writing.

3. Assistance for Disabled Applicants

Section 6(3): If the applicant is sensorily disabled, the CPIO or SPIO shall provide assistance to enable access to information, including appropriate assistance for inspection.

4. Forwarding the Application

Section 6(3): If the information requested is held by another public authority, the CPIO or SPIO receiving the application shall transfer the application or the relevant part of it to the other public authority within five days and inform the applicant immediately.

5. Payment of Fees

Section 7(1): The applicant must pay the prescribed fee along with the application. The fee structure is determined by the appropriate government.

6. Response Time

Section 7(1): The CPIO or SPIO must respond to the request within 30 days of receipt of the application. If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, the information must be provided within 48 hours.

Section 7(3): If additional fees are required, the CPIO or SPIO must inform the applicant of the additional amount and the calculations made to arrive at the amount.

7. Grounds for Rejection

Section 8: The RTI Act specifies certain exemptions under which information may not be disclosed, such as information affecting national security, personal privacy, or trade secrets.

Section 9: If the request for information is rejected, the CPIO or SPIO must provide reasons for the rejection and inform the applicant of their right to appeal.

8. Appeals Process

Section 19(1): If the applicant is not satisfied with the response or if the request is rejected, they can file an appeal with the first appellate authority within 30 days from the date of receipt of the decision.

Section 19(3): A second appeal can be filed with the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission within 90 days from the date on which the decision should have been made or was actually received.

9. Online RTI Requests

Many public authorities now accept RTI applications online through their official portals, making it easier for citizens to file requests electronically.

Example of an RTI Application

To,
The Public Information Officer,
[Name of the Public Authority],
[Address of the Public Authority].

Subject: Request for Information under the RTI Act, 2005

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Name], resident of [Your Address], hereby request the following information under the Right to Information Act, 2005:

1. [Specify the information required]
2. [Specify any additional details or context]

I have enclosed the prescribed application fee of [Amount] via [Mode of Payment].

Please provide the information at the earliest.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Details]
    

By following these steps and using the relevant sections of the RTI Act, you can effectively request information from public authorities.