Right to Information Wiki - courses:citizen-crash

Course dashboard — Citizen Crash Course in RTI

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:07:45 +0000

2026/04/25 07:38	current
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	+	{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(citizen crash course dashboard, citizen rti app, course dashboard)&metatag-description=(Course dashboard for the Citizen Crash Course in RTI. Track progress, take quizzes, take the final exam, get your certificate.)}}
	+
	+	====== Course dashboard — Citizen Crash Course in RTI ======
	+
	+
	+	<WRAP center round tip 95%>
	+	🎯 Take the quiz / final exam now:
	+
	+	* [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/courses-quiz-app.html?course=citizen-crash\|→ Open the interactive course dashboard (quiz + final exam)]] — login required.
	+	</WRAP>
	+
	+	<WRAP center round important 95%>
	+	📍 Dashboard interface coming next. The course content (3 modules + final exam) is live. The interactive dashboard with progress tracking + quiz interface is being adapted from the existing CPD course dashboard. For now:
	+
	+	- Read each module end-to-end ([[:courses:citizen-crash:module-01\|Module 1]] · [[:courses:citizen-crash:module-02\|Module 2]] · [[:courses:citizen-crash:module-03\|Module 3]])
	+	- Take notes — bookmarks save to your account
	+	- Quizzes will go live in the next 48 hours
	+
	+	If you want to be notified when quizzes are live, [[:doku.php?do=login\|log in]] and enable browser notifications via the 🔔 bell.
	+	</WRAP>
	+
	+	===== Modules =====
	+
	+	* [[:courses:citizen-crash:module-01\|Module 1 — What RTI is, and what it isn't]]
	+	* [[:courses:citizen-crash:module-02\|Module 2 — Drafting + filing]]
	+	* [[:courses:citizen-crash:module-03\|Module 3 — Reading replies + First Appeal]]
	+	* [[:courses:citizen-crash:final\|Final exam]] (15 q · 10 min · 70% to pass)
	+
	+	===== Related =====
	+
	+	* [[:courses:citizen-crash:start\|← Course overview]]
	+	* [[:courses:\|All certified courses]]
	+	* [[:cpd:start\|Advanced: PIO/FAA CPD course (12 modules)]]
	+
	+	{{tag>course citizen-crash rti dashboard}}

Final exam — Citizen Crash Course in RTI

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:07:45 +0000

2026/04/25 07:38	current
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	+	{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(citizen crash course final exam, rti certificate exam, citizen rti final)&metatag-description=(Final exam for the Citizen Crash Course in RTI. 15 questions, 10 minutes, 3 attempts, 70% to pass. Earn a verifiable certificate.)}}
	+
	+	====== Final exam — Citizen Crash Course in RTI ======
	+
	+	<WRAP center round info 95%>
	+	15 questions · 10-minute timer · 3 attempts · 70% to pass · Honor Code required. On passing, your certificate (serial CCC-XXXXXXXXXX) is issued instantly.
	+	</WRAP>
	+
	+	===== Eligibility =====
	+
	+	You can take the final exam only after passing all 3 module quizzes (70% in each).
	+
	+	===== Rules =====
	+
	+	* No external help. This is a closed-book exam.
	+	* No tab-switching. Switching tabs forfeits the attempt (the system detects via Page Visibility API).
	+	* 15 minutes timer. Auto-submits on expiry.
	+	* 3 attempts max. Each attempt draws a fresh randomised set from the question pool.
	+	* Honor Code + typed signature required to start.
	+
	+	===== Pass mark =====
	+
	+	70% (i.e. 11 of 15 correct). On passing, the certificate is issued immediately to your account.
	+
	+	===== Open the exam =====
	+
	+	* [[:courses:citizen-crash:app\|→ Course dashboard (login required)]]
	+	* The "Take final exam" button activates once all 3 modules are passed.
	+
	+	//Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.//
	+
	+	{{tag>course citizen-crash rti final-exam}}

Module 01 — What RTI is, and what it isn't

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:07:45 +0000

2026/04/25 07:38	current
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	+	{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(citizen crash course module 01, rti module 01, what rti is, and what it isn't)&metatag-description=(Citizen Crash Course in RTI — Module 01: What RTI is, and what it isn't. By the end of this module, you can decide in 30 seconds whether an RTI fits your problem.)}}
	+
	+	====== Module 01 — What RTI is, and what it isn't ======
	+
	+	{{ :social:auto:citizen-crash-module-01.png?direct&1200 \|Citizen Crash Course Module 01}}
	+
	+	<WRAP center round info 95%>
	+	Goal: By the end of this module, you can decide in 30 seconds whether an RTI fits your problem.
	+	</WRAP>
	+
	+	===== A 1-page primer on the RTI Act, 2005 =====
	+
	+	Passed by Parliament in October 2005. Repealed and replaced the older Freedom of Information Act, 2002. Comes into force across India (except Jammu & Kashmir until 2019; now also covered).
	+
	+	The Act has one big idea: //a citizen can ask any public authority for any record it holds, and the authority has 30 days to give it.// 10 specific exemptions exist, but the default is disclosure.
	+
	+	The Act has 6 chapters and 31 sections. As a citizen, you'll mostly use §3, §6, §7, §8, §10, §19, §20.
	+
	+	===== Who is a public authority? (§2(h)) =====
	+
	+	Four kinds:
	+	- Body established by/under the Constitution (e.g. Supreme Court, Election Commission)
	+	- Body established by Parliament/State Act (e.g. RBI, SEBI, AIIMS)
	+	- Body owned, controlled, or substantially financed by Government (PSUs like LIC, BEL)
	+	- NGOs substantially financed by Government
	+
	+	So: police, panchayats, municipal corporations, schools/colleges (govt + aided), hospitals (govt), banks (PSU + RBI), railways, defence (subject to §24), passports, IT, GST — all public authorities.
	+
	+	===== What can you ask for? (§2(f)) =====
	+
	+	Information — defined widely: "//any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form//."
	+
	+	Key words: records, documents, data. These are things that already exist at the public authority.
	+
	+	What you cannot ask for: future opinions, hypotheticals, why decisions were made (only what is recorded), or 'how should we…' questions.
	+
	+	===== The 4 things every RTI needs =====
	+
	+	- PIO — addressed to the Public Information Officer of the right department.
	+	- Fee — usually ₹10 by Indian Postal Order (BPL exempt).
	+	- Signature — your handwritten signature with name + address + phone.
	+	- Citizenship — "I am a citizen of India" stated explicitly. Only Indian citizens can file under §3.
	+
	+	===== Myths busted =====
	+
	+	* "You need a lawyer." False. Citizens were the design target. AI Drafter generates a legally-correct application in 60 seconds.
	+	* "You need to state a reason." False. §6(2) explicitly forbids the PIO from asking why you want the information.
	+	* "It costs a lot." False. ₹10 statutory fee. ₹50 in Tamil Nadu/Punjab/Haryana. ₹20 in Gujarat. BPL applicants pay ₹0.
	+	* "Civil servants protected from RTI." False. Service records are disclosable to the extent they form 'public activity' (Deshpande boundary).
	+	* "PIO can refuse without reason." False — that's a §7(8)(i) violation; First Appeal will set it aside.
	+
	+	===== ✅ Quiz =====
	+
	+	10 questions, 70% to pass. Take it from your [[:courses:citizen-crash:app\|course dashboard]].
	+
	+	===== Next =====
	+
	+	* [[:courses:citizen-crash:start\|← Course overview]]
	+	* Next module: [[:courses:citizen-crash:module-02]]
	+
	+	//Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.//
	+
	+	{{tag>course citizen-crash rti module-01}}

Module 02 — Drafting + filing

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:07:45 +0000

2026/04/25 07:38	current
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	+	{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(citizen crash course module 02, rti module 02, drafting + filing)&metatag-description=(Citizen Crash Course in RTI — Module 02: Drafting + filing. By the end of this module, you have a draft RTI ready to post.)}}
	+
	+	====== Module 02 — Drafting + filing ======
	+
	+	{{ :social:auto:citizen-crash-module-02.png?direct&1200 \|Citizen Crash Course Module 02}}
	+
	+	<WRAP center round info 95%>
	+	Goal: By the end of this module, you have a draft RTI ready to post.
	+	</WRAP>
	+
	+	===== The 4-line template that works for 90% of cases =====
	+
	+	Open this in a word processor. Fill the bracketed fields. Print + sign + post.
	+
	+	<code>
	+	To,
	+	The Public Information Officer
	+	[Department name]
	+	[Address]
	+
	+	Subject: Application under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005
	+
	+	Sir/Madam,
	+
	+	1. I, [Your name], a citizen of India, residing at [Your address], hereby request the following information under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005:
	+
	+	(a) [Your specific question 1]
	+	(b) [Your specific question 2]
	+
	+	2. The required fee of Rs. 10 is enclosed by way of Indian Postal Order [IPO no. ___].
	+
	+	3. I am a citizen of India.
	+
	+	Date: [DD-MM-YYYY] Signature: ________
	+	Place: [City] Name: [Your name]
	+	Phone: [Mobile no.]
	+	</code>
	+
	+	===== How to write good questions =====
	+
	+	Bad: "Why is my driving licence delayed?" — asks for opinion, not record.
	+
	+	Good:
	+	* Date my application reference no. [LL-2025-XXX] was received by your office.
	+	* Current status of my application as on [today's date].
	+	* Reasons recorded by the dealing officer for any delay beyond the SOP timeline.
	+	* Name + designation of the dealing officer.
	+	* Backlog of similar applications pending at your office for >30 days.
	+
	+	Pattern: ask for records that exist (status, copies, names, lists, counts). Don't ask why — ask for the reasons recorded.
	+
	+	===== Finding the right PIO =====
	+
	+	- Central matter (passport, IT, EPF, Railways, UIDAI): file via [[https://rtionline.gov.in\|rtionline.gov.in]] (Central RTI portal). UPI ₹10.
	+	- State matter (police, education, health, revenue, RTO): use the [[:state-rti-portals-directory\|state portals page]] on this site. Some states have working portals; others need postal.
	+	- Municipal (water, garbage, property tax, building approval): file with the ULB PIO. See your [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/city/\|city page]].
	+	- PSU (LIC, BEL, BHEL): each has its own PIO — published on PSU website.
	+
	+	If unsure, address to "The Public Information Officer, [Department], [Capital City]" — they're obligated to forward under §6(3) within 5 days.
	+
	+	===== Fee + payment modes by state =====
	+
	+	Standard ₹10 (some states ₹50 or ₹20). Payment modes:
	+	* Indian Postal Order (IPO) — most reliable. Available at any post office. Payable to "Accounts Officer, [department]".
	+	* Demand Draft (DD) — bank-issued.
	+	* UPI / online — for state portals + central portal.
	+	* Court fee stamp — accepted in some states.
	+	* BPL applicants exempt under §7(5) — attach BPL card photocopy.
	+
	+	===== Speed Post vs online portal =====
	+
	+	Online portal (where available — see state portals page):
	+	+ Faster (5 min)
	+	+ Built-in tracking
	+	- Limited to working states
	+	- Some state portals fail to forward to PIO
	+
	+	Speed Post + IPO:
	+	+ Works for everyone
	+	+ AD card = legal proof of receipt
	+	+ Reliable across all 36 states
	+	- Slower (write + post)
	+	- 30-60 min effort
	+
	+	Hybrid (recommended for important RTIs): do both. Counts as one application; doubles reliability.
	+
	+	===== Tracking + acknowledgement =====
	+
	+	* Speed Post — note the consignment number. Track at [[https://www.indiapost.gov.in\|indiapost.gov.in]].
	+	* AD card — Acknowledgement Due — comes back within 7-10 days with PIO's office stamp + signature. Save this. It's your §7(1) clock-start proof.
	+	* Online portal — auto-acknowledges. Save the registration number screenshot.
	+	* Day 30 — if no reply, it's deemed refusal under §7(2). Move to First Appeal.
	+
	+	===== ✅ Quiz =====
	+
	+	10 questions, 70% to pass. Take it from your [[:courses:citizen-crash:app\|course dashboard]].
	+
	+	===== Next =====
	+
	+	* [[:courses:citizen-crash:start\|← Course overview]]
	+	* Next module: [[:courses:citizen-crash:module-03]]
	+
	+	//Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.//
	+
	+	{{tag>course citizen-crash rti module-02}}

Module 03 — Reading replies + First Appeal

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:07:45 +0000

2026/04/25 07:38	current
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	+	{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(citizen crash course module 03, rti module 03, reading replies + first appeal)&metatag-description=(Citizen Crash Course in RTI — Module 03: Reading replies + First Appeal. By the end of this module, you can spot a defective PIO reply and file a First Appeal.)}}
	+
	+	====== Module 03 — Reading replies + First Appeal ======
	+
	+	{{ :social:auto:citizen-crash-module-03.png?direct&1200 \|Citizen Crash Course Module 03}}
	+
	+	<WRAP center round info 95%>
	+	Goal: By the end of this module, you can spot a defective PIO reply and file a First Appeal.
	+	</WRAP>
	+
	+	===== Anatomy of a good PIO reply =====
	+
	+	A compliant §7(1) reply has 4 elements:
	+	- Reference to your application — date, ref no., and your name.
	+	- Decision per question — for each of your sub-points (a), (b), (c)…, the PIO states: allow / part-allow / refuse.
	+	- Reasoning for any refusal — must cite the specific §8(1) sub-clause AND give reasons (not just "§8(1)(j) personal information" — must say WHY personal).
	+	- FAA contact + 30-day window — the senior officer to whom you can appeal.
	+
	+	===== The 7 improper-refusal patterns =====
	+
	+	If you see any of these in the PIO reply, you have grounds for First Appeal:
	+	- Bare exemption — "§8(1)(j)" without reasons → §7(8)(i) violation
	+	- Whole record refused for partial exemption — §10 severability missed
	+	- "Information not available" — without searching → bad faith
	+	- "Voluminous, file inspection only" — sometimes valid, but PIO must offer a date + place
	+	- "You should know" — never a valid response
	+	- "This is policy / under consideration" — pre-decisional notings might be exempt; bald "policy" is not
	+	- No reply at all — Day 31 = deemed refusal under §7(2)
	+
	+	===== §10 severability — your strongest weapon =====
	+
	+	If a PIO refuses part of a record under §8, they MUST disclose the rest. Refusing the whole record because part is exempt is a mandatory ground for FAA to set aside the order.
	+
	+	Example: you ask for letter sent by SDM to State Govt + names of surveyors + their phone numbers. PIO refuses the whole thing under §8(1)(j) (privacy). Wrong. Letter is disclosable, surveyor names usually disclosable, phones need §11. PIO should sever, not refuse outright.
	+
	+	===== How to draft a First Appeal under §19(1) =====
	+
	+	<code>
	+	To,
	+	The First Appellate Authority
	+	[Department]
	+	[Same address as PIO]
	+
	+	Subject: First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, 2005
	+
	+	Sir/Madam,
	+
	+	1. I, [Your name], a citizen of India, filed an RTI application on [date] (Ref: [your ref no.]).
	+
	+	2. The PIO's reply dated [PIO reply date] is challenged on the following grounds:
	+
	+	(a) The PIO refused under §8(1)(__) without recording reasons — violation of §7(8)(i).
	+	(b) The PIO did not apply §10 severability when refusing — the non-exempt parts must be disclosed.
	+	(c) The PIO failed to reply by Day 30 (§7(1) deadline expired) — deemed refusal under §7(2).
	+	[pick whichever apply]
	+
	+	3. I therefore request that the FAA:
	+	(a) Set aside the PIO order;
	+	(b) Direct the PIO to provide the requested information within a stated time;
	+	(c) Consider penalty under §20 against the PIO for unjustified delay/refusal.
	+
	+	Date: [DD-MM-YYYY] Signature: ________
	+	Place: [City] Name + address + phone
	+
	+	Enclosures: 1) Original RTI application 2) PIO reply 3) Speed Post AD card
	+	</code>
	+
	+	No additional fee for First Appeal (some states charge ₹10). File within 30 days of PIO order.
	+
	+	===== When to escalate to Second Appeal =====
	+
	+	If the FAA also fails or dismisses, file Second Appeal under §19(3) within 90 days to:
	+	* CIC (Central Information Commission) — for Central public authorities. cic.gov.in.
	+	* State SIC — for state public authorities. See [[:state-rti-portals-directory\|state portals page]] for SIC contact.
	+
	+	Second Appeal can also include a §20 penalty motion against the PIO and §19(8)(b) compensation claim.
	+
	+	Use our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/first-appeal-app.html\|First Appeal Builder]] for §19(1); for Second Appeal templates, see the [[:cpd:module-10\|CPD Module 10]].
	+
	+	===== ✅ Quiz =====
	+
	+	10 questions, 70% to pass. Take it from your [[:courses:citizen-crash:app\|course dashboard]].
	+
	+	===== Next =====
	+
	+	* [[:courses:citizen-crash:start\|← Course overview]]
	+	* Next module: Final exam — open from your [[:courses:citizen-crash:app\|dashboard]]
	+
	+	//Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.//
	+
	+	{{tag>course citizen-crash rti module-03}}

📖 Citizen Crash Course in RTI

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:07:45 +0000

2026/04/25 07:38	current
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	+	{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(citizen rti course, free rti course, beginner rti, first rti, file rti india, rti for citizens, rti certificate, rti crash course, learn rti)&metatag-description=(Free 3-module crash course on the RTI Act, 2005 for first-time citizens. File your first RTI by the end of module 3. Verifiable certificate on completion.)}}
	+
	+	====== 📖 Citizen Crash Course in RTI ======
	+
	+	===== What you'll be able to do after this course =====
	+
	+	* Decide in 30 seconds whether your problem can be solved by an RTI — or needs a different remedy (consumer court, Lokayukta, grievance portal).
	+	* Draft a §6(1) application that survives PIO scrutiny — using plain English, no legal jargon needed.
	+	* Pick the right PIO in your state and post the application correctly (IPO + Speed Post).
	+	* Read the PIO's reply like an insider — spot defects, severability errors, and missing reasons.
	+	* File a §19(1) First Appeal when the PIO refuses or stays silent.
	+
	+	===== Course at a glance =====
	+
	+	\| Modules \| 3 \|
	+	\| Duration \| ~3 hours of reading + practice \|
	+	\| Quizzes \| 10 questions per module · 70% to pass \|
	+	\| Final exam \| 15 questions · 10 minutes · 3 attempts · 70% \|
	+	\| Certificate \| Print-ready · serial CCC-XXXXXXXXXX · verifiable \|
	+	\| Fee \| Free (no statutory cost; only ₹10 if you actually file an RTI) \|
	+	\| Prerequisite \| None — you can read this page \|
	+
	+	===== The 3 modules =====
	+
	+	==== Module 1 — What RTI is, and what it isn't ====
	+
	+	* The Right to Information Act, 2005: history, why it matters
	+	* What you can and cannot ask for (records, not opinions)
	+	* The 4 things every RTI needs: PIO, fee, signature, citizenship
	+	* Common myths debunked
	+	* Quiz · 10 q · 70%
	+
	+	[[:courses:citizen-crash:module-01\|→ Open Module 1]]
	+
	+	==== Module 2 — Drafting + filing ====
	+
	+	* The 4-line template that works for 90% of cases
	+	* How to find the right PIO (Central / state / municipal)
	+	* Fee + payment modes by state
	+	* Speed Post vs online portal
	+	* Tracking + acknowledgement
	+	* Quiz · 10 q · 70%
	+
	+	[[:courses:citizen-crash:module-02\|→ Open Module 2]]
	+
	+	==== Module 3 — Reading replies + first appeal ====
	+
	+	* Anatomy of a good PIO reply
	+	* The 7 ways PIOs (improperly) refuse — and what to say
	+	* §10 severability — what to demand if the PIO refuses the whole record
	+	* Filing First Appeal under §19(1) — template + deadlines
	+	* When to escalate to Second Appeal (CIC/SIC)
	+	* Quiz · 10 q · 70%
	+
	+	[[:courses:citizen-crash:module-03\|→ Open Module 3]]
	+
	+	===== Final exam =====
	+
	+	* 15 questions drawn across all 3 modules
	+	* 10-minute timer · 3 attempts · 70% to pass
	+	* Honor Code + typed signature required
	+	* Tab-switching forfeits the attempt
	+
	+	===== Certificate =====
	+
	+	On passing the final, you receive:
	+
	+	* A print-ready PDF certificate (A4 + letter sizes) with your name, course name, date.
	+	* A unique 10-character serial in format CCC-XXXXXXXXXX.
	+	* A public verification URL at //righttoinformation.wiki/verify-cert?serial=CCC-XXX...//. Anyone can verify your certificate is real.
	+	* A LinkedIn-ready badge image for social profiles.
	+
	+	The certificate is valid for 12 months from issue. To renew, take the 20-question refresher quiz when next year's update is published.
	+
	+	===== Why this course is free =====
	+
	+	RTI was designed for citizens, not for paid intermediaries. We build free tools and free courses because a charge gates the very transparency the RTI Act exists to deliver. We're funded by ads + donations.
	+
	+	If you find it useful, share with one friend (the WhatsApp button at bottom-right is one tap), or [[:donate\|drop us a small donation]] to keep things running.
	+
	+	===== How to start =====
	+
	+	- Log in (or [[doku.php?do=register\|create a free account]]) — your progress and certificate are saved to your account.
	+	- Open Module 1 above. Read end-to-end.
	+	- Mark as read when done. Take the quiz.
	+	- Repeat for Modules 2 and 3.
	+	- Final exam unlocks once all 3 module quizzes are passed.
	+	- Earn your certificate.
	+
	+	===== Related =====
	+
	+	* [[:cpd:start\|PIO/FAA CPD Course (advanced)]] — 12 modules, 30 hours
	+	* [[:courses:\|All certified courses]]
	+	* [[:file-rti-help\|I just need help filing now]]
	+	* [[:state-rti-portals-directory\|My state's portal + PIO]]
	+	* [[:tools:ai-rti-draft-app\|🪄 AI Drafter (60-second RTI)]]
	+
	+	//Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.//
	+
	+	{{tag>course citizen-crash rti free certified}}