📋 RTI Filing Assistant
Generate a ready-to-send RTI application in 3 minutes. Free. No login required.
What do you want to ask the government?
Check Application Status
Find out what happened to your application/complaint that was filed with a govt office.
Get Copy of Documents
Get certified copies of documents held by a government office.
Action on Complaint
Know what action was taken on a complaint you filed (police, municipality, etc.)
Public Expenditure Info
Find out how public money was spent in your area (roads, schemes, tenders).
What is RTI? The Law That Gives Power Back to Citizens
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is a landmark Indian law that gives every citizen the legal right to request information from any public authority — central or state government department, public sector undertaking, or government-funded institution. Before this law existed, government offices could ignore citizens indefinitely. RTI changed that permanently.
Under RTI you can ask for copies of documents, inspection of records, certified sample of materials, and information about any government decision or expenditure. You can ask why a project was awarded to a particular contractor, when your road will be repaired, what happened to your complaint, or whether funds allocated for your area were actually spent. If the information concerns someone’s life or liberty, the government must respond within 48 hours. For all other matters, the deadline is 30 days.
Every central and state government body, local authority, public sector bank, university receiving government grants, and even certain NGOs substantially funded by the government must respond to RTI applications. The law covers over 20 lakh public authorities across India.
Citizens have used RTI to expose corruption in food distribution schemes, force repair of broken infrastructure, recover delayed salaries and pensions, uncover illegal construction approvals, and hold police accountable for inaction. It costs just ₹10 to file — less than a cup of tea — and requires no lawyer. The RTI Act is arguably the most effective accountability tool ordinary Indians have ever been given.
Top RTI Use Cases — Real Problems Citizens Solve
These are the most common situations where a well-drafted RTI application gets results fast.
Check Why Your Pension or PF is Delayed
Ask EPFO or the pension department for the exact stage your withdrawal or pension claim is stuck at.
Get Road and Infrastructure Repair Timelines
Find out when a pothole-filled road or broken footpath in your area will actually be repaired.
Know Status of Your Municipality Complaint
Track what action your municipal corporation has taken on a civic complaint you filed weeks ago.
Find Out About Government Job Recruitment
Get details on selection criteria, merit lists, and interview procedures for any public sector post.
Check Why Building Permission is Delayed
Ask your local authority for the exact reason and officer responsible for your building plan's hold-up.
Get Records of Government Spending in Your Area
Obtain contracts, tender amounts, and work completion reports for public schemes near you.
RTI Filing Fee Structure
RTI is one of the cheapest legal tools available. Here is exactly what you will pay.
| Category | Fee / Timeframe | Payment Mode / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Central Government departments | ₹10 | Postal order / DD / online payment |
| State Government departments | ₹10 (varies by state) | IPO / cash / state-specific mode |
| BPL card holders | FREE | Attach BPL card copy with application |
| Additional pages (photocopies) | ₹2 per page | Paid when copies are provided |
| Response time (general) | 30 days | From date of receipt by the PIO |
| Response time (life or liberty) | 48 hours | Matters affecting life or personal liberty |
Note: State governments may have slightly different fee structures. Always verify with the specific department before sending payment. BPL (Below Poverty Line) card holders are fully exempt from all RTI fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About RTI
Everything a first-time RTI filer needs to know before sending that application.