'Now, File Online RTI Applications With 431 Public Authorities'

An RTI Web portal has been started for easy filing of applications by Indian citizens, including those who are living abroad.

An Indian citizen can file an RTI application online through www.rtionline.gov.in. The prescribed fee for an RTI application can also be paid online through a payment gateway of State Bank of India by way of internet banking of State Bank of India and its associate banks and by using Rupay card, debit or credit cards of MasterCard and Visa.

"This facility at present is available for 431 public authorities of Government of India," Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

All the states have also been requested to explore the feasibility of implementing online RTI in their respective states.

"National Informatics Centre has been requested to provide technical support such as software and source code to the state governments who desire to replicate the Web portal for online filing of RTI applications at state level," the Minister said.

Singh said the government is committed to bring the benefits of the government's pro-poor schemes and development plans to the doorstep of each and every citizen of this country and to offer them the right of demanding accountability.

The Right to Information Act, which was enacted in 2005, mandates timely response to citizens' request for government information. One has to pay a fee of Rs. 10 for seeking information.