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RTI for Common People: Why Everyone Should Know This

Ever felt unsure about the status of a government service you applied for, or a project underway in your locality? Sometimes, processes take time, but that doesn’t mean you should be left in the dark. The RTI Act helps bridge that gap. It enables citizens to respectfully seek information, ensuring public systems remain transparent and inclusive. Aligned with the Uplift Live Foundation’s mission to promote civic awareness and empower communities, this article breaks down what RTI means for every citizen - students, professionals, homemakers, anyone who wants to hold public systems accountable. But here’s the problem: while RTI empowers every Indian citizen to demand transparency, most people don’t even know how to use it. So, let’s break it down in simple terms.


What is RTI?

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, gives every Indian citizen the right to access information from public authorities, whether it's a government school, municipality, or health centre. The Right to Information Act came into force fully on the 12th October, 2005.(Ministry of External Affairs) Legal Basis: RTI Act, 2005 This law reflects the government's commitment to building transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly governance.


Legal Basis: RTI Act, 2005

This law reflects the government's commitment to building transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly governance.


Why Does It Matter?

RTI isn't just about raising questions,It empowers citizens to participate in governance by staying informed and asking questions respectfully.


If you're: Curious about how local funds are being used, Unsure why an application is delayed, Interested in better understanding how decisions are made, RTI allows you to ask respectfully, and receive factual information.


What Can You Ask?


Anything that relates to the functioning, decisions, or spending of a public body. Examples: ● Why was my pension delayed?

● How much was spent on renovating this road?

● What’s the selection criteria for this government scheme?

● Can I access the meeting minutes where this decision was made?

Legally, you can request records, emails, memos, inspection of documents, reports, samples, data, and more. (Section 2(f), RTI Act)


How Long Do They Have to Respond?


30 days: Normal timeline 48 hours: If it involves your life or liberty (e.g., a medical file stuck in a government hospital)

(Ref: Section 7, RTI Act)


How to File an RTI Application Online (Central Govt.)

1. Go to the official RTI portal: https://rtionline.gov.in

2. Click on “Submit Request” from the home page.

3. Read the “Guidelines for Use” and check the box: “I have read and understood the above guidelines.” Then click “Submit.”

4. The Online RTI Request Form will open: Select the relevant Ministry/Department from the dropdown. Fill in your details (* fields are mandatory). Add your mobile number for SMS alerts (optional).

5. Choose your category: If Not Below Poverty Line, select “No” and pay the ₹10 fee. Payment options: Internet Banking Debit/Credit Card (Visa/Master/RuPay) UPI

6. After submission, you’ll receive a unique registration number to track your RTI application.The applicant will get an email and sms alert (if mobile no. provided) on submission of application.


RTI can be filed in English, Hindi, or the local official language.

(Source: RTI Online Portal – User Manual for Citizens)

(Ref: Section 6, RTI Act)


What You Can’t Ask


  • Certain types of information are exempt under Section 8 of the Act:

  • National security details

  • Commercial secrets

  • Ongoing investigations


What If You Don’t Get a Response?


The RTI framework includes an appeals mechanism, ensuring that every request is treated seriously.


If there's an unjustified delay, the concerned officer may be held accountable under the Act.

(Ref: Section 19 & 20, RTI Act)


Who Can Use RTI?

Anyone. Whether you’re a college student, a working professional, or a homemaker, RTI is your right.RTI supports informed, responsible participation in democracy by making the government more transparent and accountable.


Sources:


About the Author

Nainika Rawat is currently working on Project Saarthi at Uplift Live Foundation, focusing on digital awareness, public rights education, and policy-based outreach. With a background in Economics and public policy research, she writes to bridge the gap between laws and common citizens.

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