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Can I file RTI online for state public authorities?

Direct answer: No. rtionline.gov.in is exclusively for Central Government public authorities. For state government departments, districts, municipalities, schools, hospitals, and state PSUs, you must use your state's own RTI portal (if available) or file a physical application.

This is the most common misfiling error on rtionline.gov.in. A citizen files an RTI about their state electricity board, state police, municipal corporation, or government school — and the application bounces back with no refund on the ₹10 fee. The portal is clear about this restriction but many citizens only discover it after filing.

What the official portal says

“No. This Portal is exclusively meant for Public Authorities under Central Govt. only.” — rtionline.gov.in FAQ Q23

Why this matters

India has two separate RTI tracks: Central and State. The Central Government runs ministries, departments, central PSUs (like BSNL, Coal India, Railways), central universities, and bodies funded by the Centre. Everything else — state police, PWD, municipality, panchayat, state universities, ration shops, state hospitals — falls under the respective state government and its own RTI machinery.

The RTI Act 2005 applies to both, but each state has its own State Information Commission (SIC), its own state-level appellate chain, and its own online portal (where available).

If you file a central-portal RTI for a state authority, the Nodal Officer will return it. Under §6(3) of the RTI Act, a CPIO can transfer to the right authority only within the same government chain. Cross-government transfers do not happen, and your ₹10 fee is not refunded.

What to do — step by step

  1. Identify the authority: Is it a Central Government body or a State Government body? Central bodies have “Government of India” letterheads; state bodies have their state government's name.
  2. If Central: file at rtionline.gov.in normally.
  3. If State: search for “[Your State] RTI online portal” to check if an online option exists. Maharashtra has mahartionline.gov.in, Rajasthan has rtirajasthan.rajasthan.gov.in.
  4. If no state portal exists: draft your RTI application in writing (typed or handwritten), attach a ₹10 postal order or court fee stamp (amount varies by state — check your state RTI rules), address to the CPIO of the specific office, and send by registered post or submit in person.
  5. Keep proof: for physical filings, retain the post office receipt. Most states do not offer online tracking.
  6. On no reply in 30 days: file a first appeal with the First Appellate Authority of that department (RTI Act 2005, §19(1)).

Central vs State — common examples

Railways (Indian Railways) is Central — file at rtionline.gov.in. Post offices, EPFO, and central banks are Central. State police, municipal corporations, government schools, state electricity boards, ration shops, and state hospitals are State — use the state portal or physical filing.

FAQ

What happens to the ₹10 I paid if I filed for a state authority on rtionline?

The portal returns the application but does not automatically refund the fee. Email [email protected] with your transaction details to request a refund. This is a known portal limitation.

Are state RTI fees the same as central (₹10)?

Most states charge ₹10, but some vary. Check your State Information Commission website for the exact fee and accepted payment modes.

Can I file RTI about a private company?

Only if that private company is substantially financed by government or performs a delegated public function (RTI Act 2005, §2(h)). Purely private companies are not covered.

Is there a universal RTI portal covering all states?

No. As of 2026, there is no single pan-India portal covering all states. Each state maintains its own system. The Central portal (rtionline.gov.in) is Central Government only.