How to File RTI Against Schools, Colleges & Universities

Introduction

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, empowers students, parents, and faculty members to seek transparency and accountability from universities, schools, and colleges. Whether you need information on admissions, fee structures, faculty qualifications, exam results, infrastructure funding, or disciplinary actions, filing an RTI can help you access essential details.

This guide explains how to file RTI against universities, schools, and colleges, the type of information you can request, and how RTIwala can assist in the process.

Why File an RTI Against a University, School, or College?

RTI applications help in obtaining:

1. Admission and Fee Details
   • Transparency in the admission process and fee structure.
2. Scholarships and Reservations
   • Details about government and private scholarships.
3. Examination and Evaluation Processes
   • Information about marks evaluation, delayed results, or unfair grading.
4. Faculty and Infrastructure
   • Qualifications of professors, funding allocation for labs, libraries, hostels, etc.
5. Complaints Against Malpractices
   • Allegations of corruption, financial irregularities, and mismanagement.

Can You File RTI Against a Private University, School, or College?

Yes, but with limitations.

1. Public/Government Institutions
   • RTI can be directly filed against government schools, colleges, and universities.
2. Private Institutions
   • If they receive government grants, subsidies, or aid, they come under RTI jurisdiction.
   • RTI can be filed against regulatory bodies such as:
     • University Grants Commission (UGC)
     • All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
     • State Education Departments

Step-by-Step Guide to File RTI Against a University, School, or College

Step 1: Identify the Public Authority

• Government institutions: File directly with the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the university/school/college.
• Private institutions: File RTI with regulatory authorities such as UGC, AICTE, State Education Boards.

Step 2: Draft Your RTI Application

Ensure the following details are included:

• Full Name & Address of the applicant.
• Information Requested (Be specific).
• Relevant Dates & Details (e.g., academic year, department, complaint references).
• Fee Payment Proof (₹10 RTI fee).

Sample RTI Questions

• “Provide a copy of the fee structure for [Course Name] at [University Name] for the academic year [Year].”
• “Disclose the qualifications and experience details of faculty members teaching [Subject] in [Department Name].”
• “Clarify the allocation of government grants received by [College Name] for infrastructure development in [Year].”

Step 3: Pay the RTI Fee

• The standard RTI fee is ₹10, payable via:
  • Online Payment (For online RTI submissions).
  • Indian Postal Order (IPO).
  • Demand Draft (DD)/Bankers’ Cheque.

Step 4: Submit the RTI Application

• Online: Visit the RTI Online Portal: https://rtionline.gov.in/ (For Central Universities & UGC-related matters).
• Offline: Send by registered post to the concerned university/school/college or regulatory body.

How to Track Your RTI Application

• Online Submission: Use the tracking section on RTI Online.
• Offline Submission: Follow up with the PIO via email or registered post.

Response Time:

• 30 days from the date of submission.
• 48 hours in cases involving the life or liberty of an individual.

What If You Don’t Receive a Response?

1. File a First Appeal
   • If no response is received within 30 days, appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the institution.
2. File a Second Appeal
   • If the issue remains unresolved, escalate the matter to the State or Central Information Commission (CIC/SIC).
3. Use RTIwala’s Follow-Up Service
   • Ensure timely responses with expert guidance.

Role of RTI in Addressing Educational Issues

RTI helps uncover:

• Financial Transparency: Misuse of government funds, fee hikes, or hidden charges.
• Admission Irregularities: Illegal seat blocking, reservation quota misuse.
• Delayed Results & Exam Scams: Unfair grading, missing answer sheets.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Poor lab facilities, hostel complaints.

How RTIwala Can Help

Facing difficulty in drafting or submitting your RTI? RTIwala offers:

1. Custom RTI Drafting: Professionally written RTI applications tailored to your query.
2. Anonymous RTI Filing: Keep your identity protected while seeking information.
3. Legal Follow-Up Support: Assistance in tracking and appealing RTI responses.
4. Appeal Filing Assistance: Help in escalating unresolved RTI cases.

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• Expert Consultation: Get guidance on RTI filing against universities and colleges.
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