RTI in 5 Minutes: Your Quick Start Guide

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RTI in 5 Minutes: Your Quick Start Guide

New to RTI? Start here! In just 5 minutes, you’ll know exactly how to file your first Right to Information application and get the government information you need.

🚀 What is RTI? (30 seconds)

RTI (Right to Information) is your legal right to get information from any government office in India. Whether it’s your local municipal corporation, police station, or central ministry - if they have information that affects you, you can ask for it.

Key Point: RTI is not a favor - it’s your constitutional right.

📝 How to File RTI (2 minutes)

Step 1: Know What You Want

Be specific! Instead of “information about roads,” ask:

  • “Total budget allocated for road repair in [Area Name] for 2024-25”
  • “List of roads scheduled for repair in [Area Name] with timelines”

Step 2: Find the Right Office

Simple Rule: Go to the office that should have your information.

  • Local issues → Municipal Corporation/Panchayat
  • Police matters → Police Station/Superintendent office
  • Central schemes → District Collector/Central Ministry

Step 3: Write Your Application

To: Public Information Officer
[Office Name and Address]

Subject: RTI Application for [Your Information Request]

Dear Sir/Madam,

Under the Right to Information Act 2005, I request the following information:

1. [Your specific question]
2. [Another specific question if needed]

I am willing to pay the prescribed fee.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

Step 4: Submit and Pay

  • Fee: Usually ₹10 (varies by state)
  • How: Online portal, post, or in-person
  • Receipt: Always get acknowledgment receipt

⏰ What Happens Next? (1 minute)

Timeline:

  • 30 days: Government must respond
  • 48 hours: For life and liberty matters
  • No response? You can appeal for free!

Possible Responses:

✅ Information provided - Success!
❌ Information denied - Check if denial is valid, file appeal if needed
⏳ No response - File first appeal immediately

🎯 Quick Success Tips (1 minute)

Do’s:

  • Be specific in your request
  • Keep copies of everything
  • Follow up if no response in 30 days
  • Ask for information that exists (don’t ask them to create reports)

Don’ts:

  • Don’t ask for opinions or explanations
  • Don’t ask for information that’s already public
  • Don’t ask multiple departments in one application

🚨 Emergency RTI (30 seconds)

Life/Liberty/Safety Issues: Your RTI must be answered in 48 hours!

Examples:

  • Medical emergency information
  • Police custody information
  • Disaster relief information
  • Food safety inspection reports

Mention “This relates to life and liberty under Section 7(1)” in your application.

📱 File RTI Online Now

Central Government: rtionline.gov.in
State Governments: Search “[Your State] RTI Online Portal”

🤝 Need Help?

Stuck? Don’t worry!

🎓 Ready for More?

Congratulations! You now know RTI basics. Ready to level up?

Next Steps:

  1. 📚 RTI Foundations Course - Comprehensive 1-hour course
  2. 🎯 Sector-Specific RTI - RTI for your specific needs
  3. ⚖️ RTI Appeals Mastery - Handle denials like a pro

🎉 Congratulations! You’re now ready to file your first RTI application. Remember: Information is your right, not a privilege. Go claim it!

This guide gets you started in 5 minutes. For detailed guidance, explore our comprehensive Help Center and Learning Paths.