Making the RTI more accessible to the citizens, the department of personnel and Training (DOPT) has launched the online application of RTI application. This will address all queries related to central ministries. The move will mean that the applicants no longer have to physically go to the office.

Also read: Now, you can file RTI online

The web portal will also create a new layer of transparency, as the applicants can view the status of their application and any alerts related to the application online. Although seemingly complicated, the process of filing an RTI online is quite simple. We bring to you a step-by-step guide to the process:

1) First you have to go to the web portal, https://rtionline.gov.in. Here you will have a choice of either registering yourself first or submitting your request directly. In both options, you will have to provide your email id.

2) Once you click “submit request”, you have to fill in the required details on the page that will appear. The fields marked * are mandatory while the others are optional.

3) The text of the application can be typed in the space provided, at the prescribed column. Currently, the maximum limit for the text is 3,000 characters. In case the text of the application exceeds the limit, it can be uploaded as an attachment, by using the column, “supportive document”.

4) After filing the first page, you have to click on “make payment” to pay the prescribed fee. You can pay the prescribed fee in the following modes:
(a)    Internet banking through SBI and its associate banks
(b)   Using debit/credit card of Master/ Visa
The fee for making an application is as per the rules prescribed under RTI Rules, 2012. However, no RTI fee will be charged in case of citizens who are below the poverty line. (To avail this facility, the applicant will have to attach a copy of the certificate issued by the appropriate government, along with their application.)

5) After the payment has been made, the application can be submitted.

6) Once the application is submitted a unique registration number will be issued. You can use this number for any queries in the future.

7) The application filed online will reach the concerned nodal officer, who will then transmit the it electronically to the concerned information officer.

8) In case an additional fee is required to provide information, you will be informed through the web portal. You can view this information in the status report or through email alert.

We filed an RTI query in the urban development ministry and the process was completely smooth and error free. The registration process was hassle-free too. In our opinion, though the service keeps registration optional, it is a good idea to register as it will save a lot of time in entering name and details in case you want to file RTIs quite often. After registration, a unique activation code is sent on your email id. All you have to do is enter the code and you are good to go.

We paid fees using a debit card and the payment was completed within one to two minutes. A payment reference number along with other details was sent in a few seconds on the registered email id. The RTI request number was also intimated through SMS.

All in all, we give full marks to the RTI online facility. It is completely worth it.