Right to Information Wiki

RTI Fee Waiver — BPL Application Format (2026)

Below Poverty Line applicants are exempt from RTI fees. Format for claiming exemption. * Standard RTI application format * Add line: "Applicant holds BPL ration.

RTI Fee Waiver — BPL Application Format (2026)

Under §7(5), BPL applicants pay no fee for RTI applications + photocopies. Enclose BPL card.

What the form needs

  • Standard RTI application format
  • Add line: “Applicant holds BPL ration card no. _ issued by _ on _”
  • Enclose BPL card photocopy (self-attested)
  • No DD / IPO / cash needed

Where to submit

Same as standard RTI.

Fee

Free.

Timeline

30 days under §7(1).

Tips + common mistakes

  • BPL exemption central + most states. Haryana excluded.
  • Photocopy fees also waived for BPL
  • PIO cannot demand fee even for “voluminous” requests
  • If denied: file first appeal citing §7(5)

If submitted form is rejected / delayed — file an RTI

Forms get “lost”, “incomplete”, “wrong section” — RTI brings out the actual file noting and officer name, which usually resolves the issue within 15 days.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

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