Is Online RTI Filing Available in Bihar or Not? (Official Reality Explained)
Yes, online RTI filing is officially available in Bihar, but with important limitations that most citizens are unaware of. Bihar is integrated with the Central RTI Online Portal (rtionline.gov.in), which means online filing exists—but not every department in Bihar is covered under this system.
In practical terms, many citizens file RTI online assuming it will automatically reach the correct Bihar department. However, if the selected department is not mapped to the portal, the application may remain unattended, get transferred incorrectly, or simply lapse without response. This creates confusion and unnecessary delays for applicants.
The Government of Bihar has not fully onboarded all state departments onto the RTI Online system. As a result, online RTI filing works smoothly only for selected departments that have officially enabled digital RTI acceptance. For others, offline RTI is still the only legally valid route.
Key official realities every RTI applicant in Bihar must know:
- Online RTI filing is partially available, not universal
- Only notified and mapped departments accept online RTIs
- Filing to a non-enabled department can result in no reply
- The 30-day RTI timeline starts only after valid receipt
- Many rejections happen due to wrong authority selection
This gap between perception and reality is the main reason why people feel that “online RTI in Bihar doesn’t work.” The system works—but only when used correctly.
Which Bihar Government Departments Accept Online RTI Applications
Not all Bihar government departments accept online RTI applications. Only those officially listed as Public Authorities on the RTI Online Portal are legally bound to process online RTIs. Identifying these departments before filing is critical to avoid rejection or silence.
Generally, the departments that accept online RTIs in Bihar fall under state-level administrative control, while many district, block, and field offices remain offline-only. Applicants often make the mistake of filing online for local issues, which leads to non-response.
Departments in Bihar that commonly accept online RTI include:
- Secretariat-level departments (State headquarters)
- Major administrative departments
- Departments with designated online PIOs
- Offices already digitized under e-governance
- Some state-level corporations and boards
On the other hand, many departments still do NOT accept online RTI, such as:
- Block Development Offices (BDO)
- Panchayat and municipal offices
- Local police stations
- Tehsil and circle offices
- Schools, hospitals, and local bodies
Another major issue is incorrect department mapping. Even if a department exists online, selecting the wrong public authority name can invalidate the RTI. The system does not automatically correct or reroute such errors, and applicants lose valuable time.
Practical checklist before filing online RTI in Bihar:
- Confirm the department appears on RTI Online Portal
- Verify it is a Bihar state public authority
- Ensure the subject matches department jurisdiction
- Avoid filing local or district issues online blindly
- Check whether past applicants received replies online
If there is even slight doubt about department eligibility, filing offline or taking expert guidance is safer. Many RTI delays in Bihar happen not due to corruption—but due to technical misfiling.
Online RTI in Bihar stuck or no reply received? RTIwala fixes filing errors, tracks replies, and escalates appeals—contact now.
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Step-by-Step Process to File RTI Online in Bihar
Filing RTI online in Bihar is simple only if each step is followed correctly. Most rejections or non-responses happen due to small mistakes like wrong department selection, unclear questions, or incorrect submission flow. Below is the practical, field-tested process that actually works.
Step 1: Access the official RTI Online portal
Visit the Government’s RTI Online system used by Bihar. Ensure you are filing under State Government → Bihar, not Central Ministries. Selecting the wrong category makes the RTI legally invalid.
Step 2: Choose the correct Public Authority
This is the most critical step. Select only those Bihar departments that are officially enabled for online RTI.
- Do not guess the department
- Avoid local offices (BDO, Panchayat, Police Station)
- Match your issue strictly with department jurisdiction
Step 3: Fill applicant details carefully
Enter name, mobile number, email ID, and address correctly.
- Mismatch in address can delay replies
- Email ID is mandatory for status updates
- Bihar RTI replies are often sent digitally
Step 4: Draft RTI questions precisely
RTI questions must seek records, documents, dates, approvals, or file notings.
- Avoid explanations or opinions
- Ask factual, document-based questions
- Keep language simple and department-specific
Step 5: Upload supporting details (if needed)
While attachments are optional, adding reference numbers or dates improves response accuracy. Avoid uploading unnecessary documents.
Step 6: Submit and confirm application
After review, proceed to payment. Once paid, a unique RTI registration number is generated—this confirms successful filing.
Common filing mistakes to avoid:
- Selecting a non-online department
- Filing district issues online
- Asking “why” or “explain” type questions
- Writing vague or emotional statements
- Missing jurisdiction alignment
Correct filing ensures your RTI is legally valid and the 30-day clock actually starts.
RTI Application Fees in Bihar & Online Payment Method
In Bihar, the RTI application fee payable online at the time of filing. Without successful payment, the RTI is not considered submitted, even if the form is filled.
Accepted online payment modes include:
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Net banking
- UPI (subject to gateway availability)
Once payment is completed:
- A payment receipt is auto-generated
- RTI registration number is issued instantly
- The application is forwarded to the PIO digitally
Important fee-related realities in Bihar:
- No BPL exemption is available online in many cases
- Additional fees may be charged later for documents
- Copy charges are informed by the PIO separately
- RTI timeline begins only after valid fee receipt
If payment fails or page refreshes mid-process, do not refile immediately. Check email/SMS for confirmation first. Duplicate filings create confusion and delays.
Best practices for smooth payment:
- Use stable internet
- Avoid browser back button
- Save receipt PDF immediately
- Note RTI registration number safely
Online RTI in Bihar stuck or no reply received? RTIwala fixes filing errors, tracks replies, and escalates appeals—contact now.
📞 Call: +91-7999-50-6996
💬 WhatsApp: https://help.rti.link/
🌐 www.rtiwala.com
How to Track RTI Status Online in Bihar After Filing
After filing RTI online in Bihar, tracking is essential. Many applicants assume “no reply” means rejection, when the response is often uploaded online but never checked.
How to track RTI status correctly:
- Visit RTI Online portal
- Click on “View Status”
- Enter RTI registration number
- Provide registered email or mobile number
The portal shows:
- Application received date
- Current status (Under Process / Replied)
- Reply document download link (if issued)
Important tracking insights:
- Replies may be uploaded without email alert
- Some PIOs reply on Day 29 or 30
- File attachments must be downloaded manually
- Status “Disposed” does not always mean rejection
If status shows no update after 30 days:
- You are legally eligible for First Appeal
- Delay strengthens your appeal case
- Silence itself is a violation under RTI Act
Tracking regularly prevents missed replies and protects your right to timely information.
What to Do If Online RTI in Bihar Is Not Accepted or No Reply Is Received
If your online RTI in Bihar is not accepted, shows no movement, or receives no reply within 30 days, it is not the end of the process. The RTI Act clearly provides legal remedies, but only if you act correctly and on time. Most applicants lose their case simply because they don’t follow the next step properly.
The first thing to understand is that silence is also a violation under the RTI Act. Whether the department ignores your RTI, rejects it silently, or never uploads a reply, the law treats it as deemed refusal after the prescribed time limit.
Step 1: Identify the Exact Reason for Non-Response or Non-Acceptance
Before taking action, you must identify why your RTI failed. Each reason has a different legal solution.
Common reasons in Bihar include:
- RTI filed to a department not accepting online RTI
- Wrong public authority selected
- RTI transferred internally without intimation
- Technical acceptance but no PIO action
- Deliberate delay by the department
Checking the RTI status page and download section is critical. Many replies are uploaded but never communicated separately.
Step 2: Wait for the Mandatory 30-Day Legal Period
Under the RTI Act, the Public Information Officer gets 30 days from the date of valid receipt to reply.
- Count days from the online acknowledgment date, not filing date
- Weekends and holidays are included
- If transferred, the clock still runs
If 30 days are completed with no reply, your right to appeal becomes active automatically.
Step 3: File First Appeal Immediately After 30 Days
First Appeal is the most powerful and effective step when an RTI goes unanswered. It forces a senior officer to review the PIO’s inaction.
When to file First Appeal:
- No reply within 30 days
- Incomplete or misleading information
- Illegal rejection or silence
What First Appeal must clearly mention:
- RTI registration number
- Date of filing
- Proof of payment
- “No reply received within statutory time limit”
First Appeal must be filed within 30 days after RTI reply deadline ends. Missing this window weakens your legal position.
Online RTI in Bihar stuck or no reply received? RTIwala fixes filing errors, tracks replies, and escalates appeals—contact now.
📞 Call: +91-7999-50-6996
💬 WhatsApp: https://help.rti.link/
🌐 www.rtiwala.com
Step 4: Understand Why Many Bihar RTIs Fail at Appeal Stage
Many applicants lose even after filing First Appeal because of drafting mistakes.
Common appeal errors:
- Emotional language instead of legal grounds
- No reference to RTI Act provisions
- Asking fresh questions in appeal
- Not attaching RTI acknowledgment
- Sending appeal to wrong authority
A First Appeal is not a new RTI. It is a legal complaint against delay or denial.
Step 5: If First Appeal Is Ignored, Prepare for Second Appeal
If the First Appellate Authority also:
- Does not reply within 45 days, or
- Upholds illegal rejection
You gain the right to file a Second Appeal before the State Information Commission, Bihar.
Second Appeal is a formal legal proceeding, not a casual complaint. Poor drafting here often leads to dismissal without hearing.
Step 6: Do Not Refile RTI Blindly — It Weakens Your Case
Many applicants make the mistake of refiling RTI instead of appealing. This resets timelines and allows departments to escape accountability.
Avoid these mistakes:
- Filing duplicate RTIs
- Changing questions unnecessarily
- Switching departments randomly
- Waiting months without action
RTI law rewards procedural discipline, not repetition.
Practical Reality Most People Don’t Know
In Bihar, a large percentage of RTI replies come only after First Appeal. Departments often respond only when accountability shifts upward. This is why escalation matters more than filing alone.
FAQs: Online RTI Filing in Bihar (Official Guide)
1. Is online RTI filing fully available for all departments in Bihar?
No. Online RTI filing in Bihar is only available for selected state-level departments listed on the RTI Online portal. Many district, block, police, panchayat, and local offices still accept RTI applications only in offline mode.
2. How can I check whether a Bihar government department accepts online RTI?
You must check the Public Authority list on the RTI Online portal and confirm that the department is mapped under Bihar State Government. If the department is not listed, online RTI filing is not legally valid for that authority.
3. What happens if I file an online RTI to a wrong or non-enabled department in Bihar?
If an online RTI is filed to a non-enabled or wrong authority, it may remain unanswered, get wrongly transferred, or be treated as invalid. In such cases, the 30-day RTI time limit may not legally start.
4. What is the RTI application fee in Bihar for online filing?
The RTI application fee in Bihar online through debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Without successful payment and receipt generation, the RTI is considered not filed.
5. How can I track the status of an online RTI filed in Bihar?
You can track RTI status by visiting the RTI Online portal and entering your RTI registration number and registered email/mobile number. Replies are often uploaded online even if no separate notification is sent.
6. What should I do if no reply is received for my online RTI in Bihar within 30 days?
If no reply is received within 30 days from valid receipt, it is treated as deemed refusal. You should immediately file a First Appeal citing delay under the RTI Act instead of refiling a fresh RTI.
7. Can I refile a new RTI if my online RTI in Bihar is ignored?
Refiling a new RTI is not recommended. It weakens your legal position and resets timelines. The correct legal remedy is to file a First Appeal, followed by a Second Appeal if required.
