How to File RTI for Teacher Attendance & Infrastructure in Government Schools: Ensuring Accountability in Education

Education is the foundation of any society, and government schools play a crucial role in strengthening this foundation. However, complaints often arise regarding teacher absenteeism, lack of basic facilities, or misuse of infrastructure funds in these schools. As an aware citizen, you have the right to seek information on these issues using the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. This guide will inform you on how to file an RTI application concerning teacher attendance and infrastructure funds in government schools to ensure transparency and accountability in education.

Why is RTI Important in Government Schools?

RTI is a powerful tool for bringing transparency and accountability to the education sector. Filing an RTI concerning government schools is important for several reasons:

• For the Future of Children and Quality of Education: Regular teacher attendance and adequate infrastructure are essential for students’ learning.
• To Ensure Regular Teacher Attendance: Through RTI, you can ascertain whether teachers are coming to school on time.
• To Monitor Proper Utilisation of Basic Facilities (Classrooms, Toilets, Water): It is your right to know if funds are being utilised appropriately.
• To Ascertain Proper Utilisation of Public Funds: It is crucial to demand accountability for funds received by government schools from public taxes.

What Information Can You Request?

You can request various types of information from government schools through RTI:

Teacher Attendance and Staff-Related Information:

• List of teachers working in the school, their designations, and dates of appointment.
• Certified copies of teacher attendance registers for the last [e.g., 6 months or 1 year].
• Details of leaves taken by teachers (medical, casual, earned, maternity, etc.).
• Attendance reports of senior officers who inspected the school (if available).
• Number of sanctioned teacher posts in the school and the number of currently working teachers.
• Letters or requests sent to the education department regarding teacher shortages.

Infrastructure and Fund-Related Information:

• Total budget allocated for the school’s infrastructure (building construction/repair, toilets, drinking water, classrooms, playgrounds, library, laboratory, etc.) over the last [e.g., 3 or 5 years].
• Detailed breakdown of the amount spent on the construction or repair of these basic facilities, including copies of bills and vouchers.
• Copies of tenders and work orders issued for these works.
• Details of Completion Certificates and final payments made to contractors.
• Number of total classrooms, toilets (boys/girls), drinking water sources available in the school and their current status.
• Safety audit report of the school building (if conducted).
• Details of funds allocated and spent for purchasing new benches, blackboards, fans, etc., in the school.

To Whom Should the RTI Application Be Addressed?

The RTI application should be addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) or Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) of the government department from which you seek information. In cases concerning government schools, you can apply to the following officials:

• Public Information Officer/Principal of the concerned school.
• Block Education Officer (BEO).
• District Education Officer (DEO).
• State Education Department.

If you do not know the correct address of the concerned PIO, you can send your application to any PIO, and as per Section 6(3) of the RTI Act, they will forward your application to the correct PIO.

Step-by-Step Process for Filing an RTI Application

Step 1: Identify the Public Authority and PIO

First, identify the public authority (the government school or education department) from which you seek information. Then, ascertain the name and address of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO). You can obtain this information from the department’s website or by contacting the school directly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Write your application by hand on a plain paper or type it, or use an online RTI portal. Ensure your questions are clear, concise, and point-wise. Vague or overly broad questions can lead to delays or denial of information.

For instance, instead of saying, “Provide details of all expenses incurred in the school,” you should ask: “Provide a detailed breakdown of the amount spent on the construction and repair of toilets at [School Name] in the financial year 2022-23, along with certified copies of work orders and completion certificates.”

Step 3: Pay the Fee

A prescribed fee of typically INR 10 is required for an RTI application (this may vary in some states). This fee can be deposited via cash, demand draft, Indian Postal Order (IPO), or online payment. Applicants below the poverty line (BPL) are exempt from the fee, provided they attach their BPL certificate with their application.

Step 4: Submit the Application

You can submit your application in person at the PIO’s office and obtain an acknowledgement. Alternatively, you can send it via registered post/speed post and keep the postal receipt safe. Many states also have online RTI portals available, through which you can apply from home.

Step 5: Maintain Records

Always keep a copy of your application. If submitted in person, ensure you obtain an acknowledgement receipt. If sent by post, keep the postal receipt and tracking number safe. Note down the application number to check the status of online applications.

Step 6: Follow-up and First Appeal

The PIO must provide information within 30 days (48 hours for matters concerning life and liberty). If you do not receive the information within this period, or if the information provided is incomplete, incorrect, or misleading, you can file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act with the concerned Appellate Authority (usually an officer senior in rank to the PIO). This appeal must be filed within 30 days of the expiry of the initial 30-day period.

Step 7: Second Appeal

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, you can file a Second Appeal before the State Information Commission (SIC) or the Central Information Commission (CIC). This appeal must be filed within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority’s decision.

Important Tips

• Make your questions precise and point-wise to facilitate easier information disclosure by the concerned officer.
• Under the RTI Act, you are not required to state any reason for seeking information.
• Clearly specify the particular period for which you require information in your application.
• If possible, utilise online RTI portals, as this simplifies the process and allows you to track the status of your application.

RTI is a powerful medium for maintaining the quality and transparency of education in government schools. Exercise your right and contribute to ensuring better education for your community.

Do you wish to obtain information on teacher attendance or infrastructure funds in government schools? You can instantly prepare your RTI application for free using our automated tool available on the homepage of rtisupport.in. This will help you reach the correct officer and obtain accurate information.

Regards,

Team RTI Support India

A Medium for Citizen Empowerment and Transparency