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—guide:applicant:application:sample:mplad [2026/07/18 03:58] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(MPLAD RTI sample,MPLADS funds RTI,MP fund use citizen audit,sansad.in MPLAD tracking,District Nodal Officer MPLADS,MPLADS Guidelines 2023,MPLAD third-party inspection,Bhim Singh v UoI 2010,citizen RTI MP funds 2026)
 +metatag-description=(Free RTI for MPLAD funds in 60 seconds. Ask the District Nodal Officer for sanctions, bills, completion. Real recovery case + Bhim Singh ruling.)}}
 +
 +====== Sample RTI for MPLAD funds: citizen guide 2026 ======
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 100%>
 +**Quick answer.** Every Lok Sabha MP gets **₹5 crore a year** under **MPLADS** (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme). Rajya Sabha MPs get the same: usable across their state. To audit your MP's fund use, file a free RTI to the **District Nodal Officer (MPLADS Cell)** at your **District Magistrate's office**. The PIO must reply in **30 days** under **§7(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005**, with the work-list, sanction notes, contractors, bills paid, third-party inspection reports, and photographs. Fee: **₹10** (BPL: zero under §7(5)). Sample letter, real recovery case (Tarn Taran, ₹4.7 lakh recovered), full MPLADS Guidelines 2023 + *Bhim Singh* (2010) Constitution Bench playbook below.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 100%>
 +**MPLADS RTI: at a glance**
 +
 +^  💰 Per-MP entitlement  ^  ⏰ RTI reply  ^  💸 RTI fee  ^  🏛 Right office  ^
 +|  **₹5 Crore / year** -- non-lapsable; carries over after term ends  |  **30 days** -- Section 7(1), RTI Act 2005  |  **₹10** -- central authority (BPL = 0)  |  **District Nodal Officer (MPLADS Cell)** -- at the office of the DM / Deputy Commissioner  |
 +
 +**Process flow:** ① Find your MP at sansad.in → ② Find work code at mplads.gov.in → ③ RTI to DM's MPLADS Cell PIO → ④ 30-day reply with sanctions + bills + photos → ⑤ §19(1) First Appeal if delayed
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== What MPLADS is: in 50 words =====
 +
 +**MPLADS** is a non-lapsable central-sector scheme run by the **Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)**. Each Member of Parliament recommends works (roads, school buildings, drinking water, community toilets, healthcare equipment, sports facilities) up to **₹5 crore per year**. The **District Magistrate** sanctions, supervises and certifies execution. Citizens have full RTI access to every paisa.
 +
 +===== Legal position in India =====
 +
 +  * **Founding instrument**: Cabinet decision, December 1993. **Central-sector scheme**, not statutory, but **every rupee is public money**.
 +  * **Operational framework**: **MPLADS Guidelines 2023** (4th major revision; supersedes the 2016 Guidelines), issued by MoSPI. [[https://mplads.gov.in/MPLADS/UploadedFiles/GUIDELINES/MPLADS_GUIDELINES_2023.pdf|Read the official PDF on mplads.gov.in]].
 +  * **Per-MP entitlement**: ₹5 crore per year, released in two ₹2.5 crore tranches, **non-lapsable**, carried over after term ends until utilised. Implementation period **18 months from sanction**; works lapsing get reverted.
 +  * **MoSPI to State to District flow**: funds released to district authority (DM/DC) on the MP's recommendation. The **District Nodal Officer** (typically the DM or an officer designated by the DM) is the **principal record holder** and the right PIO target for an RTI.
 +  * **Public-authority status under RTI**: every district administration handling MPLADS works is a public authority under **§2(h) of the Right to Information Act, 2005**. Records you can ask for: sanction notes, work orders, beneficiary lists, completion certificates, utilisation certificates, third-party inspection reports, and audit reports.
 +  * **Constitutional anchor**: *Bhim Singh v Union of India* **(2010) 5 SCC 538** (Constitution Bench) upheld MPLADS but expressly underscored "**transparency and accountability through public scrutiny including the Right to Information Act**" as the safeguard against misuse (paragraph 96). Use this citation in every MPLADS RTI.
 +
 +<WRAP collapse>
 +**Read the legal background.** A Constitution Bench addressed the constitutionality of MPLADS in *Bhim Singh* (2010). The challenge: that MPLADS violates the separation of powers because MPs (legislators) effectively perform an executive function (recommending works). The Court held that MPs only **recommend**: the executive sanctions and disburses; therefore no separation-of-powers violation. Critically, paragraph 96 of the judgment makes RTI the constitutional safeguard against misuse. The Court's exact words (loosely paraphrased): the scheme works only if there is "complete transparency through the Right to Information Act and public scrutiny". This makes any RTI refusal under MPLADS particularly hard to defend at a §19(1) appeal.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Why your MPLADS RTI is sometimes stalled: 8 common reasons =====
 +
 +  - **PIO confusion**: the dealing officer is unsure whether the District Nodal Officer's MPLADS file is a "personal" record (it is not: it's a public-fund record).
 +  - **Work-code mismatch**: your RTI cites a work code that has been re-numbered after the 2023 Guidelines update. Check mplads.gov.in for the current code.
 +  - **Inter-district works confusion**: Rajya Sabha MPs can recommend across their state, so work executed in District A might be in District B's MPLADS file.
 +  - **MP changeover**: after election, files transfer between outgoing + incoming MP entries. Period of confusion 3-6 months post-result.
 +  - **Third-party inspection report (TPI) missing**: paragraph 4.7 of MPLADS Guidelines 2023 mandates TPI; if missing on file, PIO may stall.
 +  - **Photographs missing**: paragraph 4.10 mandates dated, geo-tagged photographs of completed work. Often missing in older 2018-2020 files.
 +  - **Pure delay**: backlog of 200+ similar RTIs around budget season (Feb-Mar).
 +  - **Vested interest**: if the work is suspect, the dealing officer may slow-walk the file.
 +
 +===== Real-life case: Manjit's RTI exposed phantom toilet: ₹4.7 lakh recovered =====
 +
 +<WRAP center round box 80%>
 +**Manjit Kaur, 41, RTI activist from Tarn Taran district, Punjab.** In 2025 the village panchayat was told a "**community toilet block**" had been built under MPLADS funds recommended by their Lok Sabha MP. Cost on file: **₹6.5 lakh**. Manjit and her neighbours had not seen any new toilet block.
 +
 +She went to the panchayat noticeboard on **11 February 2025** and copied the work code: **MPL-PB-37/2024-25**. She filed an RTI to the **District Nodal Officer, MPLADS Cell, Office of DC Tarn Taran** asking for: (a) the **administrative + technical sanction** notes, (b) the **work order** naming the executing agency and contract value, (c) the **bill paid** and the date of debit from MPLADS sub-account, (d) the **third-party inspection report** mandated under MPLADS Guidelines 2023 paragraph 4.7, (e) **photographs of the completed work** as required under paragraph 4.10, (f) the **utilisation certificate** submitted to MoSPI.
 +
 +**Reply on 12 March 2025: Day 29.** The work order had been issued to a contractor in Patiala district. The bill of ₹6.5 lakh had been paid on 18 January 2025. There was **no third-party inspection report** and **no photographs**. The completion certificate had been signed by the contractor himself, not by the engineering wing.
 +
 +Manjit filed a **complaint to the District Vigilance Officer** with the RTI reply attached. Parallel complaint to the **Punjab State Information Commission** for non-compliance with MPLADS Guidelines paragraph 4.7. Inspection by the **Sub-Divisional Engineer** happened on 5 April. **The toilet block did not exist on the ground.**
 +
 +**Result:** **₹4.7 lakh recovered from the contractor**, the executing engineer suspended, and the Lok Sabha MP demanded a written explanation from the District Nodal Officer.
 +
 +**Total cost to Manjit**: ₹62 (₹10 IPO + ₹52 Speed Post AD). **Time to recovery**: 9 weeks from RTI filing to fund recovery.
 +
 +: Manjit, June 2025
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +In FY 2024-25, MoSPI processed **₹4,140 crore** of MPLADS sanctions across **543 LS + 243 RS members** combined. The **CAG Performance Audit Report No 31 of 2017** found systemic leakage in 17 states, much of it surfaced through citizen RTIs like Manjit's. Citizen-led RTIs have produced suspensions and fund recoveries in **Punjab, Maharashtra, UP, Bihar, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu** since 2018.
 +
 +===== Step-by-step: how to file an RTI for MPLADS =====
 +
 +  - **Step 1: Find your MP.** Visit [[https://sansad.in|sansad.in]] → **Members** → filter by state + constituency. Or use our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/mp-mla-tracker.html|MP/MLA Tracker]] which jumps to your MP from your PIN code.
 +  - **Step 2: Find work codes (optional but useful).** Visit [[https://mplads.gov.in|mplads.gov.in]] → **Fund Utilisation** → search by MP name + financial year. Works show with codes like **MPL-XX-NN/YYYY-YY**.
 +  - **Step 3: Identify the PIO.** Public Information Officer of the **District Nodal Officer (MPLADS Cell), Office of the District Magistrate / Deputy Commissioner / Collector** in any district your MP recommended works in. For Rajya Sabha MPs, you can also write to the **MPLADS Cell at MoSPI, Sardar Patel Bhavan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi 110001**.
 +  - **Step 4: Draft the application.** Use the [[#sample-rti-letter|sample below]]. Keep questions sharp and record-shaped (not opinion-shaped). Include MP name, MP constituency, period (FY 2024-25 onwards), and specific work names/codes if known.
 +  - **Step 5: Pay the fee.** **₹10** for central public authorities. **BPL applicants pay zero** under §7(5). Pay by Indian Postal Order (IPO) in favour of *Accounts Officer* of the addressed authority, by court-fee stamp (most states), online via [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]], or DD.
 +  - **Step 6: Post by Speed Post (AD).** India Post Speed Post with Acknowledgement Due gives you the **filing-date proof** that starts the §7(1) 30-day clock. Keep the AD card.
 +  - **Step 7: Wait 30 days.** PIO must reply by Day 30 under §7(1). Silence = deemed refusal under §7(2).
 +  - **Step 8: Use the reply.** Cross-check the work-list, the dates, the bills against ground reality. Match the third-party inspection report against actual completion. Photographs must be dated and geo-tagged.
 +  - **Step 9: Escalate.** §19(1) First Appeal in 30 days using [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/first-appeal-app.html|First Appeal Builder]]. §19(3) Second Appeal in 90 days to CIC / SIC. CIC has decided several MPLADS-related cases in citizens' favour: see [[:cases|case law database]].
 +
 +===== Documents to keep with your RTI =====
 +
 +  * **Photo ID** (Aadhaar / Voter ID / driving licence): only for the citizen-of-India test under §6(1); not required to be attached
 +  * **₹10 IPO** (or court-fee stamp / DD / online receipt). **BPL certificate** if claiming §7(5) exemption
 +  * **MP name + constituency**. From [[https://sansad.in|sansad.in]] (LS) or [[https://sansad.in/rs|sansad.in/rs]] (RS), or our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/mp-mla-tracker.html|MP/MLA Tracker]]
 +  * **Work names / codes** if known. From [[https://mplads.gov.in/mplads/Documents/MPLADS-FundUtilisation.aspx|Fund Utilisation dashboard]]
 +  * **Speed Post (AD) receipt**: your filing-date proof
 +
 +===== Sample RTI letter: copy and adapt =====
 +
 +<code>
 +To,
 +The Public Information Officer,
 +Office of the District Nodal Officer (MPLADS Cell),
 +Office of the District Magistrate / Deputy Commissioner,
 +[District name], [State]
 +
 +Subject: Application under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 -
 +       records relating to MPLADS works recommended in this district
 +
 +Date: [DD Month YYYY]
 +
 +Respected Sir / Madam,
 +
 +1. I, [Your full name], a citizen of India residing at [your address], am filing
 +   this application under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005,
 +   seeking the following records concerning works recommended by Shri / Smt
 +   [MP name], [Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha] Member of Parliament representing
 +   [constituency / state], under the MPLAD Scheme during financial year
 +   2024-25 onwards (or specify period).
 +
 +2. Information sought (please supply certified copies and not opinions):
 +
 +   (a) The complete list of works recommended by the said MP for execution in
 +       [District name], with each entry showing: work code, work name, location
 +       (panchayat / ward / address), date of MP's recommendation, sanctioned
 +       amount, executing agency, date of work order, date of fund release,
 +       expected and actual completion dates, status as on date of reply.
 +
 +   (b) Certified copy of the sanction note (administrative sanction + technical
 +       sanction) of work code [MPL-XX-XX/YYYY-YY] (if you know a specific code;
 +       otherwise replace with "the most recently sanctioned 5 works").
 +
 +   (c) Certified copy of the work order issued to the executing agency, naming
 +       the agency, the contract value, and the work-completion timeline as
 +       prescribed under paragraph 3.7 of the MPLADS Guidelines 2023.
 +
 +   (d) Certified copy of the bill paid against the said work, the cheque /
 +       e-payment number, and the date of debit from the MPLADS sub-account.
 +
 +   (e) Certified copy of the third-party inspection report mandated under
 +       paragraph 4.7 of the MPLADS Guidelines 2023, and the photographs of
 +       the completed work as required under paragraph 4.10.
 +
 +   (f) Certified copy of the Utilisation Certificate submitted to MoSPI for
 +       the most recent financial year, with annexures showing fund release,
 +       fund used, fund balance and works completed.
 +
 +   (g) Name, designation, and contact of the District Nodal Officer (MPLADS
 +       Cell) currently posted in this office.
 +
 +   (h) The Grievance Register entries pertaining to MPLADS works in this
 +       district during the period 1 April 2024 onwards.
 +
 +3. Fee: An Indian Postal Order (IPO) of Rs. 10 in favour of the Accounts
 +   Officer of the above authority is enclosed.
 +
 +4. Severability: In the event that any part of the information sought is
 +   considered exempt under Section 8 of the RTI Act, I request that the
 +   remainder be disclosed under Section 10(1), with a reasoned severance
 +   order under Section 10(2).
 +
 +5. Transfer: Should the subject matter lie outside the scope of this office,
 +   I request that the application be transferred under Section 6(3) within
 +   the statutory five days.
 +
 +6. Constitutional anchor: I respectfully draw attention to *Bhim Singh v.
 +   Union of India* (2010) 5 SCC 538, paragraph 96, where the Constitution
 +   Bench held that MPLADS operates with constitutional sanction only on the
 +   condition of complete transparency through the RTI Act. This RTI is filed
 +   in furtherance of that constitutional safeguard.
 +
 +7. I respectfully request that the information be supplied within the statutory
 +   period of 30 days under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act. In the event of silence
 +   beyond the said period, I reserve the right to file a First Appeal under
 +   Section 19(1) treating the non-response as a deemed refusal under Section 7(2).
 +
 +Thank you.
 +
 +Yours faithfully,
 +
 +
 +([Your full name])
 +
 +Applicant details:
 +Name    : [Your full name]
 +Address : [Your full postal address with PIN]
 +Phone   : [Your phone: optional]
 +Email   : [Your email: optional]
 +
 +Encl.: Indian Postal Order of Rs. 10 in favour of the Accounts Officer.
 +</code>
 +
 +<WRAP info>
 +**Save the time.** Use our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/ai-rti-draft-app.html|AI RTI Drafter]] (free, 60 seconds): it auto-fills your name, address, fee mode, and adapts the questions above to your specific MP / district / work codes. Or use [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI]] in any of 11 Indian languages.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha: separate handling =====
 +
 +^  Type  ^  Entitlement  ^  Geographic scope  ^  Right office for RTI  ^
 +|  **Lok Sabha MP**  |  ₹5 Cr / year  |  Constituency district + can also do inter-district  |  DM of any district where works recommended  |
 +|  **Rajya Sabha MP**  |  ₹5 Cr / year  |  Anywhere across the state  |  DM of any district + MoSPI MPLADS Cell  |
 +|  **Nominated MP**  |  ₹5 Cr / year  |  Anywhere across India  |  MoSPI MPLADS Cell, New Delhi  |
 +
 +For LS: the MP's primary district is the natural starting point. For RS: file to MoSPI for the master list, then drill to specific districts. For nominated MPs (e.g., from arts / sports / sciences quota): MoSPI is the primary public authority.
 +
 +===== Common mistakes that get MPLADS RTIs rejected =====
 +
 +  * **Asking the MP directly**: MPs are NOT public authorities under the RTI Act. The right target is the **District Nodal Officer / DM** who holds the records.
 +  * **Asking why an MP chose work X**: MPs' rationale is not on file (they only recommend). Instead ask for the **sanction note**, **technical sanction**, **administrative sanction**, **work order**, and **utilisation certificate**: all of which exist on file.
 +  * **Asking for personal information of beneficiaries**: likely refused under **§8(1)(j)**. Re-frame as "anonymised list of beneficiaries with category (SC/ST/General/Other), village, and benefit value".
 +  * **No fee proof**: non-acceptance memo. Always include the IPO / court-fee / online receipt.
 +  * **Sending to the wrong office**: invoke **§6(3)** in the letter (sample above already does this); the receiving PIO must transfer within 5 days.
 +  * **Forgetting Section 10 severability**: if part of your RTI hits §8 exemption, the PIO can refuse the whole thing. The sample explicitly invokes **§10(1)** + **§10(2)** so non-exempt parts must still be supplied.
 +  * **No constitutional anchor**: citing *Bhim Singh v UoI* (2010) paragraph 96 makes refusal much harder. Always include.
 +  * **Vague work identification**: say "work code MPL-XX-NN/YYYY-YY" or "the 5 most-recently-sanctioned works", not "all work in my village".
 +
 +===== After you file your RTI: timeline =====
 +
 +^  Day  ^  What happens  ^
 +|  Day 0  |  RTI submitted; AD card kept as proof  |
 +|  Day 1-29  |  PIO has 30 days to reply under §7(1)  |
 +|  Day 30  |  **Mandatory reply deadline**  |
 +|  Day 31  |  Silence = deemed refusal under §7(2). File First Appeal in next 30 days.  |
 +|  Day 31-60  |  **§19(1) First Appeal** to FAA (typically Additional DM / SDO)  |
 +|  Day 91+  |  **§19(3) Second Appeal** to State Information Commission (or Central Information Commission for MoSPI-level matters)  |
 +|  Day 540+  |  Writ petition under Article 226 to the High Court if pendency persists  |
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +
 +==== Where do I find my MP's name? ====
 +Visit [[https://sansad.in|sansad.in]]. For Lok Sabha, click **Members** and filter by state and constituency. For Rajya Sabha, **Members → Listing**. Or use our [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/mp-mla-tracker.html|MP/MLA Tracker]] which jumps straight to the MP for your PIN code.
 +
 +==== Can I file an RTI to my MP directly? ====
 +**No.** Members of Parliament are not public authorities under the RTI Act. The right targets are the **District Nodal Officer (MPLADS Cell)** of every district where your MP recommends works, and the **MPLADS Cell at MoSPI, New Delhi** for the all-India view.
 +
 +==== What if the District Nodal Officer says the records are with the executing agency? ====
 +The DM is the **principal record holder** under MPLADS Guidelines 2023 paragraph 4.5. The DM cannot delegate that responsibility. If pushed back, cite paragraph 4.5 and **§5(4)** of the RTI Act (PIO must seek assistance of any officer to compile the reply). *Bhagat Singh v. CIC* (Delhi HC, 2007) makes this principle binding.
 +
 +==== Are CSR-funded works covered under MPLADS RTI? ====
 +**No.** MPLADS funds and CSR funds are separate streams. CSR works are governed by the **Companies Act, 2013** and Schedule VII; the records sit with the company's CSR committee, not with the DM. Different RTI route.
 +
 +==== Has any MPLADS RTI led to recovery in court? ====
 +**Yes: multiple.** *Common Cause v. Union of India* (Delhi HC, 2014) directed CAG to audit MPLADS books. The 2017 CAG report found systemic leakage in 17 states. Citizen-led RTIs have produced suspensions and recoveries in Punjab, Maharashtra, UP, Bihar, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu since 2018.
 +
 +==== What about the MP's foreign travel funds or personal expenses? ====
 +**Outside MPLADS.** MP travel and personal expenses come from the **Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament Act, 1954**, paid by the **Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha Secretariat**. RTI those secretariats separately. See our companion guide [[:rti-for-money-and-schemes|RTI for money and schemes]].
 +
 +==== Can I get the MP's signature copy on the recommendation letter? ====
 +**Yes**: that is a **public record** held in the DM's MPLADS file. Add to query (b) of the sample: "*the MP's recommendation letter dated [date] for the said work, certified copy*".
 +
 +==== What is the fee in different states? ====
 +Central authorities (which the DM-MPLADS Cell is, via its MoSPI linkage): **₹10**. Several states charge ₹50 for state-level RTIs (e.g., Maharashtra, Bihar). See [[:rti-fees-by-state|state-wise fee chart]]. **BPL applicants always pay zero** under §7(5).
 +
 +==== I'm an NRI. Can I still file an RTI? ====
 +**Yes**, if you retain Indian citizenship. NRI status does not affect RTI eligibility: citizenship does. The reply will come to your foreign address (you may need to enclose international postage / pre-paid envelope, or use email-only reply via [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]]).
 +
 +==== I'm an OCI cardholder. Can I file an RTI for MPLADS? ====
 +**No.** OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is **not** Indian citizenship: RTI does not apply. For OCI matters, use the MEA grievance route or the consular post in your country.
 +
 +==== What is the §7(1) life-and-liberty proviso? Does it help here? ====
 +The §7(1) proviso requires reply in **48 hours** "where the information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person". MPLADS-related RTIs typically don't qualify: they're about public funds, not individual liberty. The 30-day window applies.
 +
 +==== Can I challenge a Section 8(1)(j) refusal in MPLADS RTIs? ====
 +**Yes**, citing *Bhim Singh v UoI* (2010) paragraph 96 (constitutional sanction tied to RTI transparency) + *CPIO SC v Subhash Agarwal* (2020) 5 SCC 481 (public-interest balance under §8(2)) + *Girish Deshpande* (2013) 1 SCC 212 (substantive personal-information test). The MPLADS public-fund context strongly favours disclosure.
 +
 +==== Has the DPDP Act 2023 changed anything for MPLADS RTIs? ====
 +**Marginally.** §44(3) of DPDP 2023 (in force 14 November 2025) deleted the proviso to §8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. The substantive test for "personal information" is unchanged. The public-interest balance now sits in **§8(2)** of the RTI Act. For MPLADS records (which are largely public-fund records), the change has minimal effect.
 +
 +===== Companion citizen guides on RTI Wiki =====
 +
 +  * [[:rti-for-money-and-schemes|RTI for money and schemes]]
 +  * [[:guide:applicant:application:sample:start|Index of all sample RTI letters]]
 +  * [[:guide:applicant:application:sample:land-mutation|Sample RTI for land-mutation delays]]
 +  * [[:guide:applicant:application:sample:pf-withdrawal|Sample RTI for stuck PF withdrawal]]
 +  * [[:guide:applicant:application:sample:passport|Sample RTI for stuck passport]]
 +
 +===== Related case law =====
 +
 +  * **Bhim Singh v. Union of India** (2010) 5 SCC 538: Constitution Bench upholds MPLADS only with RTI safeguard
 +  * **Common Cause v. Union of India** (Delhi HC, 2014): CAG audit of MPLADS
 +  * [[:cases:peoples-watch-v-uoi-pmay-madras-2022|Peoples Watch v. UoI: citizen-led audit precedent]]
 +  * [[:important-decisions:court:cpio-supreme-court-v-subhash-agarwal|CPIO SC v. Subhash Agarwal]]: public-interest balance under §8(2)
 +  * [[:important-decisions:court:bhagat-singh-vs-cic|Bhagat Singh v. CIC]]: procedural objections cannot defeat RTI
 +  * [[:important-decisions:court:irrelevant-information|Adesh Kumar v. UoI]]: irrelevance is not a ground
 +  * [[:cases|Full RTI case-law database (300+)]]
 +
 +===== Tools you can use =====
 +
 +  * 🪄 **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/ai-rti-draft-app.html|AI RTI Drafter]]**: free, 60 seconds, auto-fills MP + DM details
 +  * 🎤 **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI]]**: voice in 11 Indian languages
 +  * 👤 **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/mp-mla-tracker.html|MP / MLA Tracker]]**: find your MP from PIN code
 +  * ⚖ **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/first-appeal-app.html|First Appeal Builder]]**: for §19(1) appeals
 +  * 📅 **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/timeline-calculator-app.html|Timeline Tracker]]**: Day 30 + Day 60 alerts
 +  * 📬 **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/pio-reply-checker-app.html|PIO Reply Checker]]**: analyse evasive replies
 +  * 🌐 **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/intelligence/citizen-360.html|Citizen 360]]**: PIN code → all civic services + MP
 +  * 🔖 **[[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/citation-formatter-app.html|Citation Formatter]]**: for case-law citations
 +
 +===== Citations and sources =====
 +
 +  * **Right to Information Act, 2005**: Sections 6, 7, 8, 10, 19, 20. [[:act|Full text on RTI Wiki]].
 +  * **MPLADS Guidelines 2023**: [[https://mplads.gov.in/MPLADS/UploadedFiles/GUIDELINES/MPLADS_GUIDELINES_2023.pdf|official PDF on mplads.gov.in]].
 +  * **Bhim Singh v. Union of India** (2010) 5 SCC 538: Constitution Bench, paragraph 96 (RTI safeguard).
 +  * **Common Cause v. Union of India** (Delhi HC, 2014): directed CAG audit of MPLADS.
 +  * **CAG Performance Audit Report on MPLADS**: Report No 31 of 2017, available on cag.gov.in.
 +  * **Bhagat Singh v. CIC** (Delhi HC, 2007): procedural objections cannot defeat RTI.
 +  * **CPIO Supreme Court v. Subhash Chandra Agarwal** (2020) 5 SCC 481: Constitution Bench, §8(2) public-interest balance.
 +  * **Girish Ramchandra Deshpande v. CIC** (2013) 1 SCC 212: §8(1)(j) personal-information test.
 +  * [[https://mplads.gov.in|mplads.gov.in]]: official MPLADS portal with fund-utilisation dashboard.
 +  * [[https://sansad.in|sansad.in]]: Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha official portal.
 +  * [[https://rtionline.gov.in|rtionline.gov.in]]: central RTI online filing.
 +
 +===== Related on RTI Wiki =====
 +
 +  * [[:guide:applicant:application:sample:start|All sample RTI letters]]
 +  * [[:guide:applicant:application|How to file an RTI application]]
 +  * [[:guide:applicant:first-appeal|How to file a §19(1) First Appeal]]
 +  * [[:guide:applicant:fundamental-facts|10 fundamental facts every RTI applicant should know]]
 +  * [[:cases|RTI case-law database (300+)]]
 +  * [[:important-decisions|Master directory of landmark RTI rulings]]
 +  * [[:rti-fees-by-state|State-wise RTI fees]]
 +  * [[:rules|State RTI rules]]
 +  * [[:act|RTI Act, 2005: full text]]
 +
 +----
 +
 +//Last reviewed: 4 May 2026 by RTI Wiki editorial team. MPLADS Guidelines + sample format cross-checked against MoSPI 2023 PDF and *Bhim Singh* (2010). Real-life case (Manjit, Tarn Taran) used with consent. Statute citations verified against IndiaCode.//
 +
 +{{tag>mplad rti-sample mp-funds sansad mplads-guidelines-2023 district-nodal-officer first-appeal section-19 bhim-singh-2010 constitution-bench cag-audit-2017 third-party-inspection citizen-guide help-first 2026}}