Introduction
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers citizens to seek transparency in government operations. In Madhya Pradesh (MP), the RTI Act is implemented under the Madhya Pradesh Right to Information Rules, 2005, which outlines specific procedures for filing and obtaining information from state government departments. This guide explains how to effectively file an RTI in Madhya Pradesh.
Who Can File RTI in Madhya Pradesh?
- Any Indian citizen can file an RTI application.
- There is no age restriction, but the applicant should be capable of understanding and applying for information.
Information You Can Request Under RTI
- Government schemes and fund utilization (e.g., PM Awas Yojana, MGNREGA)
- Land records and property details
- Pension and provident fund status
- Recruitment and exam results for state services
- Municipal corporation projects and expenditures
- Police case status and FIR copies
- Details on government tenders and contracts
Documents Required to File RTI in Madhya Pradesh
- RTI Application Form (Not mandatory if submitting on plain paper)
- Proof of Identity (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter ID)
- Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft (DD), or Treasury Challan for fee payment
- Supporting documents if seeking specific records
Step-by-Step Process for Filing RTI in Madhya Pradesh
Step 1: Draft Your RTI Application
- Write your application in Hindi, English, or any local language.
- Address it to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department.
- Mention:
- Full name, address, and contact details
- Specific information required
- Period for which information is sought
- Mark the application clearly as “Request under RTI Act, 2005”.
Step 2: Pay the RTI Fee
- Mode of Payment:
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Demand Draft (DD)
- Court Fee Stamp
- Treasury Challan
- Additional charges for copies: ₹2 per page of photocopy and ₹50 per CD.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Offline Submission: Send via Registered Post or Speed Post to the respective department’s PIO.
- In-Person Submission: Visit the concerned office and submit your RTI application.
- Online Submission (if applicable): Madhya Pradesh does not have a dedicated state RTI portal, but some departments accept online RTI through their websites.
Step 4: Get an Acknowledgment
- Upon submission, request an acknowledgment with a receipt number to track your RTI status.
Step 5: Wait for the Response
- The PIO must respond within 30 days of receiving the application.
- If the information concerns a third party, the timeline is 40 days.
What to Do If You Do Not Get a Response?
First Appeal
- File an appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department within 30 days of the PIO’s non-response or unsatisfactory reply.
Second Appeal
- If dissatisfied with the FAA’s decision, file a Second Appeal with the Madhya Pradesh State Information Commission (SIC) within 90 days.
Complaint
- Lodge a complaint directly with the State Information Commission (SIC) if the PIO refuses to accept the application.
Contact Details of Madhya Pradesh State Information Commission
- Address: Madhya Pradesh State Information Commission, 35-A, Arera Hills, Bhopal – 462011
- Phone: 0755-2578825
- Website: https://sic.mp.gov.in
How RTI Can Help in Madhya Pradesh
- Land Ownership Disputes: Obtain certified land records and encumbrance certificates.
- Government Schemes: Track fund utilization for projects like PDS and MGNREGA.
- Recruitment Transparency: Verify recruitment results for state government jobs.
- Police Complaints: Obtain copies of FIR or investigation reports.
- Municipal Works: Get detailed reports on road construction and urban development projects.
How RTIwala Can Assist You
- Custom RTI Drafting: Professionally drafted RTI applications to ensure clarity and completeness.
- Anonymous RTI Filing: Protect your privacy while seeking information.
- Expert Consultation: Guidance on RTI appeals and follow-up processes.
- Timely Tracking: Follow-up with authorities to ensure timely responses.
Conclusion
Filing an RTI in Madhya Pradesh empowers citizens to ensure transparency and accountability in government functioning. By following the correct procedure and keeping track of deadlines, you can access the information you need effectively. If you face any challenges during the process, RTIwala is here to help you file, track, and resolve your RTI queries efficiently.
