Table Of Content
Introduction: Can You Really Ask for Someone’s Salary Details Under RTI?
Yes, under the Right to Information Act, 2005, you can legally request the salary details of government employees, provided it serves a larger public interest. But the process, limitations, and legal provisions around this are often misunderstood.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about filing RTI for salary-related information of public servants, how it differs for private employees, and how RTIwala can guide you safely and legally.
Is Salary Information Covered Salary Under Details RTI?
YES, if the person is a public servant employed in:
- Central or State Government offices
- PSUs like LIC, BSNL, ONGC, BHEL
- Universities, municipal corporations, police, etc.
The salary, pension, benefits, and arrears paid from public funds are considered non-confidential and must be disclosed under RTI.
Legal Precedents Supporting Salary Disclosure
- Central Information Commission (CIC) rulings have upheld that salaries paid to public servants are not personal info.
- Delhi High Court in Naresh Trehan vs. UOI (2013) ruled that government employee salary details are not exempt from RTI.
However, private employee salary details are considered personal information and exempt under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
What Salary-Related Info You Can Ask via RTI
Here’s what you can legally request from public authorities:
| Information Type | Disclosable via RTI |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay, HRA, DA, Gross Salary | Yes |
| Pay Slip of a Specific Month | Yes |
| Total Salary Paid in a Financial Year | Yes |
| Salary Structure of a Post | Yes |
| Arrears or Dues Cleared | Yes |
| Deductions Made (Tax, PF, Loan) | Yes |
| Salary Comparison Between Posts | Yes |
| Salary of Private Employees | No (Personal Data) |
Common Use Cases for Filing RTI on Salary Info
- To check if bribes are being masked as salary
- To see if one official is drawing salary from two posts
- To find if arrears or promotions were wrongly implemented
- For pay disparity cases in departments or teaching institutions
- To verify pension delays or benefits for retirees
Sample RTI Queries for Salary Information
- “Please provide the salary slip for the month of March 2025 of Mr. XYZ, working as Assistant Engineer, PWD, Hyderabad Division.”
- “Please provide total gross salary paid to all officers of rank Executive Engineer and above in the Health Department during FY 2024–25.”
- “Please provide pay structure and grade pay of the post of Junior Clerk as on April 1, 2023.”
Want professionally drafted RTIs? Use RTIwala Custom Drafting.
How to File RTI Online for Salary-Related Information
Step 1: Identify the Department
Find out the public authority or office where the employee works (e.g., PWD, Education, Municipality, PSU, Police Department).
Step 2: Draft Your RTI
Keep it:
- Specific
- Clear
- Within 25 words
You must mention name, designation, and office of the employee, if possible.
Step 3: File RTI Online for Salary Details Under RTI
Recommended: RTIwala Online Filing
- RTIwala files to the right PIO
- Get updates, drafts, and support
- Opt for Anonymous RTI if your query is sensitive
Alternate: https://rtionline.gov.in
- For central government employees only
- Pay ₹10 via UPI/card
- Submit and wait for up to 30 days
Step 4: Follow Up
If no reply is received in 30 days:
- File a First Appeal (RTIwala helps with this too)
- Escalate to CIC/SIC if needed
When Salary Info Can Be Denied
Salary info may be denied if:
- The employee is not a public servant
- The info involves private companies or contractors
- The request lacks public interest
- Seeks personal info beyond salary (e.g., family, account number)
RTIwala legal team ensures you don’t cross legal limits while drafting.
Why RTIwala Is the Safest Route
- 100% legally compliant RTIs
- Anonymous RTI Option
- Custom Drafting under 25 words
- Follow-up, Appeals, and Reminders
- Expert Consultation with legal advisors
- RTI Products and Pricing Plans
Summary: What You Can and Can’t Ask
You CAN ask for:
- Salary slips
- Pay structure
- Arrears and benefits
You CANNOT ask for:
- Private employee data
- Bank account details
- Family or personal records
Final Thoughts: Use RTI Responsibly and Effectively
The Right to Information gives you power—but it must be used with responsibility. If you suspect misuse of public funds, salary irregularities, or discrimination in pay structure—RTI is your legal tool for transparency.
RTIwala makes the process fast, affordable, and legally sound.
Don’t stay in the dark. File RTI online now and get the salary information you are legally entitled to.
