 "File an e-RTI application for all central govt departments now")
It is now possible for all Indian citizens to file an RTI application online in all central government ministries and departments in <st1:place w:st=“on”><st1:city w:st=“on”>Delhi</st1:city></st1:place>.
Ever since the Parliament gave a go-ahead to the Right to Information Act in 2005, it has remained a powerful tool in the hands of the common man, enabling him to claim one of his most important rights, thereby attempting to maintain greater transparency in governance.
The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, V Narayanasamy, will launch the portal – www.rtionline.gov.in – at a function in <st1:city w:st=“on”><st1:place w:st=“on”>New Delhi</st1:place></st1:city> today.
The RTI website!
Earlier, citizens could only seek information related to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This ability was then extended to 37 central government ministries and departments in a phased manner. An official of DoPT said: “This facility would be extended to all the Ministries or Departments of Government of India with effect from August 21, 2013."
The President and Vice President’s Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, External Affairs Ministry and Union Public Service Commission are among 37 ministries or departments that fall under the ambit of online RTI applications. Venkatesh Nayak, coordinator (access to information programme), Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative said: “This is a very progressive achievement it will help people who are technological savvy to file RTI applications online."
For those not quite in the know, a citizen has to pay Rs 10 to seek information from any government department or ministry. Once the request has been submitted, it is mandatory that the response be available within 30 days. The sum of Rs 10 can be submitted via Internet banking through SBI and its associated banks using the website. The site also allows one to use credit and debit cards. The text of the application filed thus must not exceed 500 words.
"In case an application contains more than 500 words, it can be uploaded as an attachment,” the official said. Importantly, an applicant will also get an alert on his or her mobile about the movement of the applications.
With inputs from news sources<o:p></o:p>
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