Table of Contents
- Who Can You File RTI Against in the Central Government?
- Documents & Prep: What You Must Have Ready
- Step-by-Step: How to File RTI for Central Government Departments
- Fees, Timelines & What to Expect
- Avoid Rejections: Common Mistakes & Fixes
- When & How to File First Appeal
- Why Choose RTIwala (And What Happens If You Don’t)
- FAQs
- Call to Action
Who Can You File RTI Against in the Central Government?
You can seek information from Central Government Ministries, Departments, Attached/Subordinate Offices, PSUs, Autonomous Bodies, Regulators, and Constitutional Authorities that are under the Union Government.
Curiosity anchors for deeper reading: Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), Public Authority List, DoPT RTI Guidelines.
Fear Factor: Filing to the wrong authority or state PIO for a central subject leads to silent rejections or transfers that eat up your 30 days, risking missed appeal windows.
Documents & Prep: What You Must Have Ready
- Clear Questions: Ask for records, not opinions. Break into numbered points.
- Coverage Window: Mention dates (e.g., 01-04-2022 to 31-03-2024).
- Identification: Applicant details and contact (email/phone) for quick clarifications.
- Supporting Proof (if any): File numbers, application IDs, letter copies.
- Fee Readiness: Standard fee + additional page/certification charges if applicable.
Helpful internal anchors: Sample RTI Questions, Certified Copies, Inspection of Records u/s 2(j).
Step-by-Step: How to File RTI for Central Government Departments
Step 1: Identify the Correct Public Authority & CPIO
Search the official directory of the Ministry/Department. Shortlist the exact office that “holds” the record.
Wrong CPIO = Delay. Transfers under Section 6(3) add days.
Step 2: Draft a Precise RTI Application
- Title it “Application under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005.”
- Use short sentences. Ask for documents, data, file notings, status, or certified copies.
- Add a time period and format (PDF/scanned copies via email).
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Step 3: File Online or Offline
- Online route supports most central authorities: best for speed and tracking.
- Offline: Send to the CPIO by post with fee (IPO/DD) and keep proof of dispatch.
For discoverability, we include related queries within context: RTI for Central Government online, RTI status check, CPGRAMS vs RTI, File Notings under RTI.
Step 4: Pay the Prescribed Fee
Base fee is standard; extra charges may apply for copies/certification.
Step 5: Save the Acknowledgement
Note the registration number, date, and authority. This is crucial for follow-up and appeals.
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Fees, Timelines & What to Expect
- Reply Time: Normally 30 days from receipt by the CPIO.
- Life/Liberty Cases: 48 hours.
- Transfers: If your RTI is transferred under Section 6(3), the receiving authority works on its own 30-day clock.
Fear Factor: If the PIO seeks clarifications and you miss the email or the post, the clock may still run out—leading to a no-reply scenario. Always keep your draft unambiguous and your contact active.
Avoid Rejections: Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Vague Queries: “Give all details” invites denial under “disproportionate diversion of resources.”
- Fix: Ask for specific documents or well-scoped data.
- Wrong Office: Filing to a State body for a Central record or vice-versa.
- Fix: Confirm record-holder first.
- Opinion/Why Questions: RTI is for records, not justifications.
- Fix: Seek file notings, orders, communications, guidelines.
- No Period Mentioned:
- Fix: Add a clear date range.
- Missing Fee / Signature / Address:
- Fix: Double-check basics before submission.
Anchor ideas for internal links: RTI Denial Reasons, Section 8 Exemptions, Public Interest Override.
When & How to File First Appeal
If no reply within 30 days or you get a partial/denied reply, file First Appeal (Section 19(1)) within 30 days of the due date/reply.
- Address it to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority.
- Attach your RTI application, proof of filing, and grounds showing how the reply is deficient.
Curiosity hook: RTI First Appeal Grounds, Delay without Reason, Section 7(1) Violation.
Fear Factor: Appeals filed late or without grounds often fail, forcing you to approach the CIC—time-consuming and demanding.
Why Choose RTIwala (And What Happens If You Don’t)
RTIwala drafts legally precise, CPIO-targeted applications with appeal-ready structure.
- Authority Mapping: We identify the exact record-holder to avoid 6(3) delays.
- Tight Questions: We convert vague asks into document-ask that compels a factual reply.
- Follow-ups & Add-ons: Tracking, clarifications, and appeal drafting if needed.
Risk if you go solo: Wrong PIO, missing fee heads, or loosely worded queries can cause rejection, silence, or Section 8 denials. Weeks lost. Evidence cold. Opportunities missed.
Strategic linkable phrases: CPIO Directory, Appeal Templates, Certified Copies under Evidence Act, Inspection Requests.
FAQs
1) Can I file one RTI covering multiple Central departments?
You can, but it’s risky. The PIO may transfer parts and delay replies. Better to file separate RTIs to each record-holder for timely, complete responses.
2) Can I ask for file notings and internal emails?
Yes, where not exempt. Ask for file notings, movement of file, note-sheets, and email communications related to your subject within a defined period.
3) What if my RTI needs clarification?
Respond promptly. If you ignore a clarification request, the PIO may close or reply narrowly. RTIwala monitors and responds to such queries to keep your request alive.
4) What if I suspect my RTI will reveal wrongdoing?
You can request certified copies and file notings. For safety and strategy, consider professional drafting. Many applicants prefer expert support to avoid unwanted exposure or technical denials.
5) Is online filing valid for all Central authorities?
Most are available through the online system. Some attached/autonomous bodies may require offline submission. RTIwala checks the latest filing route and uses the correct channel.
Call to Action
Ready to file RTI online for a Central Government department—without delays or denials?
RTIwala prepares appeal-ready, CPIO-targeted drafts and tracks everything for you.
- Expert Consultation, Custom Drafting, First Appeal & Follow-up Add-ons
- Support Number: +91-7999-50-6996 now!
- Visit: RTIwala.com now!
