Empowering Journalists Through the Right to Information:-
At Rashtriya Patrakar Media Sangathan (RPMS), we firmly believe that transparency is the foundation of a vibrant democracy. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is one of the most powerful tools available to citizens—especially journalists—for holding public authorities accountable, exposing corruption, and obtaining critical information for investigative journalism.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the RTI Act, guidance for filing RTI applications, and resources to help journalists access accurate and timely public information.
📜 What is the Right to Information (RTI)?
The Right to Information Act, 2005, gives every citizen the legal right to request information from any public authority in India. Public authorities include all government departments, ministries, public sector undertakings, and organizations substantially funded by the government.
Under the RTI Act, these authorities are obligated to:
- Respond to requests for information within 30 days
- Provide reasons for denial, if any
- Maintain proactive disclosure of certain types of information
🎯 Why RTI is Crucial for Journalists
RTI empowers journalists to:
- Investigate government decisions and policies
- Access public spending records and project reports
- Expose corruption and mismanagement
- Hold elected representatives and officials accountable
- Verify facts and data for stories
- Promote transparency and truth in media reporting
RPMS encourages responsible and impactful use of RTI for public-interest journalism.
🏛️ Who is Covered Under the RTI Act?
The RTI Act applies to:
- Central and state government departments
- Municipalities, panchayats, and local bodies
- Public sector undertakings (PSUs)
- Government-funded NGOs
- Constitutional bodies like Election Commission, CAG, etc.
Note: Private entities are not directly covered, but you can seek information they provide to government bodies.
🖋️ How to File an RTI Application
Filing an RTI is simple and does not require a lawyer. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
✅ Step 1: Identify the Public Authority
Determine which government department or office holds the information you need.
✅ Step 2: Draft the RTI Application
Your RTI must include:
- Applicant’s full name and address
- Clear description of the information required
- Period for which the information is sought (if applicable)
- Name of the public authority
You are not required to provide reasons for seeking the information.
✅ Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
- The standard application fee is Rs. 10.
- You can pay by postal order, demand draft, court fee stamp, or online (if available).
✅ Step 4: Submit the RTI
- By post: Send the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department.
- Online: Visit https://rtionline.gov.in for filing RTIs to central ministries.
- In-person: Submit at the respective government office.
📆 Timeline for Response
- 30 days: Response time for most RTI applications
- 48 hours: In case the information concerns the life or liberty of a person
- 35 days: If RTI is sent to Assistant PIO
- No response? You can file a First Appeal after 30 days.
📂 Types of Information You Can Request
Journalists can use RTI to request:
- Government orders, policy documents, and circulars
- Minutes of official meetings
- Audit reports, utilization certificates
- Tender documents and contract details
- File notings and decision-making records
- Data on development schemes, subsidies, and welfare programs
- Copies of inspection, investigation, and inquiry reports
RPMS can assist you in identifying useful topics and departments for impactful RTIs.
🔒 What Information Is Exempt Under RTI?
Under Section 8 of the RTI Act, some categories of information are exempt, including:
- National security and defense details
- Cabinet discussions and internal deliberations
- Commercial confidentiality or trade secrets
- Personal information not related to public interest
- Information forbidden by courts (e.g., sealed case files)
However, many of these can be overridden if larger public interest is proven.
📨 Appeals and Complaints
If your RTI is denied or not answered:
- First Appeal: File within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority (senior officer in the same department).
- Second Appeal: If still unsatisfied, appeal to the Central or State Information Commission.
- Complaint: You can also file a complaint directly if the PIO refuses to accept your application or demands excessive fees.
RPMS offers legal support and drafting services for appeals and complaints under the RTI Act.
📚 RTI for Investigative Journalism: Best Practices
- Be Specific – Ask for clear, narrow information to avoid delays or vague responses.
- Use RTI in Series – Break big stories into small, focused RTIs across multiple departments.
- Track Deadlines – Maintain records and follow up after 30 days if no response.
- Cross-Verify Data – Use RTI responses alongside on-ground reporting and interviews.
- Respect Ethics – Do not misuse RTI for personal attacks, threats, or blackmail.
RPMS also provides sample RTI templates for commonly requested issues like:
- Police FIR copies
- Road and infrastructure project details
- Public spending by MPs/MLAs
- RTI on ration, pensions, or rural employment schemes
🧾 RPMS RTI Assistance Program
As part of our commitment to media empowerment, we offer the following RTI support services:
- Drafting Help – Experts help you write strong, valid RTI queries
- Department Guidance – We identify the right PIO for your information
- Appeals Support – For denied or incomplete RTI responses
- Workshops on RTI Usage – In-person and online sessions for beginner and advanced users
- RTI Clinics for Rural Journalists – Helping grassroots reporters access data in their local areas
📊 Success Stories from RPMS Members
Over the years, RPMS-affiliated journalists have successfully used RTI to:
- Expose ghost schools and fake teacher appointments
- Investigate misuse of public welfare funds
- Uncover irregularities in health infrastructure projects
- Reveal gaps in local law enforcement accountability
These reports have led to administrative action, policy changes, and public awareness—reinforcing the power of RTI in journalism.
🌐 Useful RTI Resources & Links
- https://rtionline.gov.in – Official RTI portal for Central Government
- https://cic.gov.in – Central Information Commission
- https://nhrc.nic.in – RTI on human rights violations
- RPMS RTI Guidebook (Download PDF)
✅ Conclusion
The RTI Act is not just a legal tool—it is a weapon for truth and transparency. Journalists across India, from metro cities to rural towns, can use it to bring accountability, justice, and reform through factual, data-driven reporting.
At Rashtriya Patrakar Media Sangathan, we equip journalists with the knowledge, tools, and legal support they need to make the best use of the RTI Act. Let’s build a media culture where public information is not hidden but used to build a better, informed nation.