RTI Fee Waiver for BPL Families: Eligibility, Documents, and Application Process under the RTI Act, 2005

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers every citizen of India to seek information from the government. It is a powerful tool to ensure transparency and accountability. Although a nominal fee (usually ₹10) is prescribed for RTI applications, to ensure that no economic barrier obstructs access to information, families falling Below Poverty Line (BPL) are exempted from this fee.

This article provides detailed information on the rules, required documents, and important aspects related to RTI fee exemption for BPL families.

Rules for Fee Exemption under the RTI Act

Section 7(5) of the RTI Act, 2005 specifically provides for fee waiver for persons below the poverty line. Its key points are as follows:

• Complete Exemption from Application Fee: If the applicant belongs to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, they are not required to pay the prescribed application fee of ₹10 when filing an RTI application. This exemption applies uniformly under both Central and most State Governments.
• Exemption from Fees for Providing Information: Not just the application fee, but BPL applicants also receive some exemption from additional fees charged for obtaining information. According to Section 7(5) of the RTI Act, BPL category applicants are not required to pay any fee for providing copies (photocopies) or samples of information, provided this information is up to 50 pages (A4 or A3 size).
• For Information Exceeding 50 Pages: If the information sought exceeds 50 pages, the normal fee (typically ₹2 per page) may apply for each additional page beyond 50 pages. In some states, this limit or rule may vary, so it is advisable to check local regulations.

Required Documents to Prove BPL Status

To avail the benefit of RTI fee waiver, it is mandatory for the applicant to submit proof of their BPL status. Any one of the following documents may be valid for this purpose:

• Valid BPL Card (Below Poverty Line Card)

  This is the most common and accepted document. The applicant must attach a self-attested copy of their BPL card with their RTI application. The applicant’s name must be clearly mentioned on the card.

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Card

  A card issued under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana is also considered proof of Below Poverty Line status. A self-attested copy of this must also be attached.

• Below Poverty Line Certificate Issued by State Government

  In some cases, a Below Poverty Line certificate specifically issued by state governments is also acceptable. This certificate must be issued by a competent authority.

Importance of Attaching Documents

Attaching a self-attested copy of the BPL document with the application is extremely important. If the proof is not attached or is found invalid, the Public Information Officer (PIO) may ask the applicant to pay the normal fee. In such a situation, the information will not be released until the fee is paid.

How to Avail the Fee Waiver?

Follow these steps to avail RTI fee exemption under the BPL category:

1. Clear Mention in Application: Clearly state in your RTI application form that you belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category and therefore request a fee exemption.
2. Attach Documents: Attach a clear and self-attested copy of your valid BPL card or any other accepted certificate with your RTI application.
3. Mention Certificate Number: If possible, also mention the BPL certificate number and date of issue in the application form.
4. Send by Post or Submit Personally: Send your application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) by Registered Post or submit it personally and obtain an acknowledgement receipt.

What to do in case of Rejection?

If the Public Information Officer (PIO) denies fee exemption despite your valid BPL certificate, you can file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority under Section 19 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. In your appeal, you can challenge the PIO’s decision to demand a fee and re-submit proof of your BPL status.

Conclusion

The RTI Act provides a significant opportunity for BPL families to access information without any financial barriers. This provision for fee waiver demonstrates the Act’s commitment to empowering vulnerable sections and bringing transparency to government. Knowing the correct rules and required documents allows you to effectively exercise this right.

Do you want to draft your RTI application yourself? Use our automated tool available on the rtisupport.in homepage to instantly create your RTI application for free.

Regards,

Team RTI Support India

A Medium for Citizen Empowerment and Transparency