How to Track Your RTI Application Status Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers citizens of India to obtain information from the government. Once you have filed your RTI application, it’s natural to want to know its progress. Thankfully, today you can easily track the status of your RTI application online. This helps you understand which stage your application is at and what further steps to take if necessary.

Why Track RTI Application Status Online?

Tracking the status of your RTI application is crucial for several reasons:

• Transparency: You get to know what action is being taken on your application.
• Adherence to Timelines: The RTI Act stipulates a specific timeframe (usually 30 days) for providing information. By tracking the status, you can ensure that this deadline is being met.
• Further Action: If you do not receive a reply within 30 days or are dissatisfied with the information received, knowing the status helps you file a First Appeal or a Second Appeal.
• Record Keeping: It provides a digital record of all stages of your application.

How to Track Central RTI Application Status Online?

For RTI applications related to departments and public authorities of the Government of India, you can use the official RTI Online Portal.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the Official Portal: First, go to the Government of India’s RTI Online Portal rtionline.gov.in.
2. Click on ‘View Status’ Link: On the homepage, you will find a link named ‘View Status’. Click on it.
3. Enter Required Details:
   • Registration Number: You would have received a unique registration number when you filed your RTI application. Enter it carefully.
   • Email ID: Enter the email ID you used while filing the RTI application.
   • Security Code/Captcha: Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen. This ensures that you are not a bot.
4. Click ‘Submit’: After filling in all the details correctly, click the ‘Submit’ button.
5. View Your Application Status: Now, you will see the current status of your RTI application displayed on the screen. This may include information such as the application date, the name of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO), and the current status.

How to Track State-Specific RTI Application Status?

Many states have their own RTI online portals where you can track the status of applications related to state government departments. The process is generally similar to the central portal:

• Visit your respective state’s RTI online portal (for example, rtionline.up.gov.in for Uttar Pradesh, rti.rajasthan.gov.in for Rajasthan, jaankari.bihar.gov.in for Bihar).
• Look for an option like ‘View Status’ or ‘Application Status’.
• Enter your Registration Number and other required details (such as email ID or date of birth).
• Fill in the security code and click ‘Submit’.
• You will see the status of your application.

What to Look for in the Status and What Does it Mean?

The status of your RTI application can indicate various stages:

• Application Received: Your application has been successfully submitted.
• Transferred to PIO: Your application has been transferred to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).
• Under Process: Your application is under consideration.
• Reply Sent: Information has been sent to you by the Public Information Officer. If you have not received a physical reply, check your postal address or contact the concerned authority.
• First Appeal Filed: This status will appear if you have filed a First Appeal due to dissatisfaction with the reply.
• First Appeal Disposed: A decision has been made on the First Appeal.

Important Considerations and Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if the Registration Number is lost?

If you have lost your registration number, some portals may have a ‘Forgot Registration Number’ option. Otherwise, you should check the email or SMS received when you filed the application. If it’s still unavailable, you can contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) with whom you filed the application.

What to do if the Status is not updated?

Sometimes, it may take a while for the status to update. If there is no update for a long time or the 30-day deadline passes without a reply, you can file a First Appeal.

Can I track the status of an offline application online?

Generally, online portals only track the status of applications filed online. For applications filed offline, you will need to contact the concerned Public Information Officer directly or use the reference number provided in your records.

Conclusion

Tracking the status of an RTI application online is a straightforward process that helps you effectively exercise your rights. It ensures that your application is processed as per rules and that you receive information in a timely manner. Keep your registration number and email ID safe, as they are essential for checking the status.

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Regards,

Team RTI Support India

A Medium for Citizen Empowerment and Transparency