Right to Information (RTI)
Every Indian citizen has the legal right to ask any government office for information about its work, decisions, and spending.
What is the Right to Information?
The Right to Information Act (2005) is a law that gives every Indian citizen the power to ask any government office for information about its work, decisions, and spending.
Before this law, government decisions happened in secret. Citizens had no way to question how public money was spent or why decisions were made. RTI changed that.
Any citizen can ask any government office — why, how, and where public money was spent.
How to File an RTI — Step by Step
- 1
Identify the public authority you want information from
- 2
Write your RTI application stating clearly what information you need
- 3
Pay Rs. 10 fee (completely waived for BPL citizens)
- 4
Submit online at rtionline.gov.in or send by post
- 5
The authority must reply within 30 days
- 6
No reply or unsatisfactory reply — escalate to First Appellate Authority
- 7
Still no resolution — approach Central or State Information Commission
Real Questions Citizens Have Used RTI For
Where did the road repair funds go?
Why was my ration card rejected?
What is the status of my land record?
How many teachers are employed in this school?
What is the budget for this panchayat this year?
Why was this building permit approved?
What RTI Gives You the Right to Do
Inspect documents and records held by any public authority
Take notes or request certified copies of documents
Inspect public works, contracts, and construction sites
Request information in electronic form
Ready to File an RTI?
You do not need a lawyer. You do not need to explain why you are asking. Every citizen has this right.
File an RTI OnlineFor state-level RTI, visit your state government portal.