I found that many of us are not just aware of RTI (or) if we know RTI, many of us do not know how to file an RTI ! So this mail is just to share whatever I know J
“The Right to Information Act (RTI) is an Act of the Parliament of India "to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens" and replaces the erstwhile Freedom of information Act, 2002. The Act applies to all States and Union Territories of India except Jammu & Kashmir. Under the provisions of the Act, any citizen may request information from a "public authority which is required to reply expeditiously or within thirty days.”
RTI Guide : http://rti.gov.in/RTICorner/
Tamil Version : http://www.tn.gov.in/rti/
Steps to file an RTI :
- There is no specified Format for filing an RTI.
You can seek the required information in a Plain Paper addressed to PIO* of the concerned Public Authority or you can address it to PIO at Collectorate, it is the PIO's responsibility to transfer/forward the concerned portions of the request to a PIO of the other authority within 5 working days of the receipt of RTI. The applicant is required to disclose his name and contact particulars (so that the applicant get the requested information mailed back) but not any other reasons or justification for seeking the information.
Court Fee Stamp for Rs.10 should be pasted or enclosed with the letter as a Fee ! I have attached RTI filed by me for your reference
English Version :
<< File: RTI_Sample_English.docx >>
Tamil Version :
<< File: தகவல் பெரும் உரிமைச்சட்ட விண்ணப்பம் - தமிழ் .doc >>
- There is a online version too https://rtionline.gov.in/ (Refer the image )
<< OLE Object: Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) >>
- Time limits for replying to the request :
a . If the request has been made to the PIO, the reply is to be given within 30 days of receipt.
b. If the request has been made to an APIO**, the reply is to be given within 35 days of receipt.
c. If the PIO transfers the request to another public authority (better concerned with the information requested), the time allowed to reply is 30 days but computed from the day after it is received by the PIO of the transferee authority.
d. Information concerning corruption and Human Rights violations by scheduled Security agencies (those listed in the Second Schedule to the Act) is to be provided within 45 days but with the prior approval of the Central Information Commission.
e. If life or liberty of any person is involved, the PIO is expected to reply within 48 hours.
*PIO : Public Information Officer**APIO : Asst. Public Information Officer
In all cases only PIO is responsible for providing the required info. J
- Incase if your RTI request is not answered within this period, it is treated as deemed refusal. Refusal with or without reasons may be ground for appeal or complaint. Further, information not provided in the times prescribed is to be provided free of charge. Appeal processes are also defined. (Refer the Guide for more info)
- Please note that there are certain public authorities / information which are excluded from RTI ambit.
Central Intelligence and Security agencies specified in the Second Schedule like IB,Directorate General of Income tax(Investigation), RAW, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Narcotics Control Bureau, Aviation Research Centre, Special Frontier Force, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles, Special Service Bureau, Special Branch (CID), Andaman and Nicobar, The Crime Branch-CID-CB, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Special Branch, Lakshadweep Police. Agencies specified by the State Governments through a Notification will also be excluded.
The exclusion, however, is not absolute and these organizations have an obligation to provide information pertaining to allegations of corruption and human rights violations. Further, information relating to allegations of human rights violation could be given but only with the approval of the Central or State Information Commission.
I have already received a response for one of my RTI (Sorry it is in Tamil L)!
<< File: Response.jpg >>
If you think you know RTI, then give a try with these RTI Quiz :
Use this powerful tool of our Democracy to KNOW your rights and GET those rights ! J
No comments:
Post a Comment