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How to file an RTI for caste (SC/ST/OBC) certificate in West Bengal

⚠️ DPDP Rules, 2025 (14 Nov 2025) amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act — public-interest override now under Section 8(2). Read the note →

· 2026/04/19 05:02

Direct answer. In West Bengal, file your RTI for caste (SC/ST/OBC) certificate to the Tehsildar / SDM. Fee: Rs. 10 court fee stamp (state-specific); not IPO. Online portal: https://wbic.gov.in/. Reply mandatory in 30 days under §7(1) RTI Act 2005.

Quick facts (West Bengal)

State West Bengal
Subject RTI for caste (SC/ST/OBC) certificate
Target office Tehsildar / SDM
State fee Rs. 10 court fee stamp (state-specific); not IPO
Online portal https://wbic.gov.in/
Reply window 30 days (§7(1) RTI Act 2005)
Key statutory anchor Constitution Articles 341/342 framework; state rules vary 30-45 days

Why this page exists

The general guide on RTI for caste (SC/ST/OBC) certificate covers the full template, decision steps, case law and FAQs. This page focuses on the West Bengal-specific bits: which office to file at, what fee mode the state accepts, the online portal (if any), and where to escalate.

Filing in West Bengal — 4 steps

  1. Identify the office. Tehsildar / SDM is the standard target; in West Bengal, this is typically located at the district/tehsil headquarters.
  2. Pay the fee as per state norms: Rs. 10 court fee stamp (state-specific); not IPO.
  3. File: online via https://wbic.gov.in/ OR by Speed Post to the office, with acknowledgment.
  4. Track: 30-day clock starts from the date of receipt by the public authority.

If you don't get a reply

  1. Day 31: file First Appeal under §19(1) to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) — typically the office one rung above the PIO.
  2. Day 75-76: file Second Appeal to the West Bengal State Information Commission.
  3. Parallel pressure: file a CPGRAMS grievance (pgportal.gov.in) and (where the state has one) a state-level grievance helpline.

Sample RTI subject line for West Bengal

“Application under §6 RTI Act 2005 — caste (SC/ST/OBC) certificate in West Bengal (give specific application/file number, dates, and the 5 specific questions).”

For the complete template including the 5 questions, illustrations, common mistakes and FAQ, read the full RTI for caste (SC/ST/OBC) certificate guide.

Sources

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

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