RTI: how to ask a government office for information
Under the Right to Information Act 2005 any citizen can ask a public authority for information. The reply is due in 30 days; in a matter of life or liberty, within 48 hours.
What to do
- Work out which department holds the information; the application goes to its Public Information Officer (PIO).
- Write the application on plain paper or online: what information, for what period, and your address. No reason needs to be given.
- For Uttarakhand government departments use the state RTI online portal (fee paid online); for central departments, rtionline.gov.in. BPL applicants pay no fee.
- Keep the receipt or registration number. If no reply comes in 30 days or it is incomplete, appeal within 30 days to the department’s First Appellate Authority.
- If the first appeal does not satisfy you, a second appeal lies to the Uttarakhand Information Commission within 90 days.
What to bring
- Clearly worded questions (few and precise is better)
- The application fee (online or postal order / challan); a copy of the BPL card if you are BPL
- If posted, the registered post receipt
Official links
Uttarakhand RTI online (opens in a new window)rtionline.uk.gov.inRTI online (central government) (opens in a new window)rtionline.gov.in
Advocates for this
In alphabetical order, endorsing no one. Look at free legal aid first.
No advocate is listed for this subject yet. For free legal aid, call 15100.
Please note
This is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different; if needed, talk to an advocate or the District Legal Services Authority (free, 15100). Rudrapur City does not recommend any advocate.
This guide was checked on 18 September 2026.