A reference note on the working of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in West Bengal. Where the State position differs from the Central rules, the State practice is noted. Readers who rely on these rules for a live application, appeal, or complaint are advised to confirm against the official West Bengal Government Gazette or the West Bengal State Information Commission before filing.

The West Bengal State Information Commission is the authority constituted under Section 15 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 for West Bengal. It hears second appeals under Section 19(3) and complaints under Section 18 relating to public authorities under the Government of West Bengal.

• The Right to Information Act, 2005 — the Central Act applies across India, including in West Bengal.
• State rules under Section 27 of the Act — West Bengal has notified its own rules covering the form of application, fees, and procedure before public authorities. Confirm the exact title and latest amendment against the current Gazette.
• Second-appeal procedure rules — procedure before the State Information Commission for second appeals under Section 19(3) and complaints under Section 18.

Application fees in West Bengal are typically Rs 10 per application. BPL applicants are exempt on production of a valid ration card or certificate. Copies of records are charged per page at the rate specified in the rules. The fee may be paid by Indian Postal Order, demand draft, cash at the PIO's counter, or through the online portal where available. Confirm the current fee against the latest State notification, as figures may have been revised.

Applications to major State departments may be filed online through the State Government portal, where available, and offline at the PIO's counter at Kolkata or the district collectorate. For Central Government offices, use the Central online portal.

See How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step for the Central online procedure, and Why RTI Applications Get Rejected for drafting pitfalls to avoid.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, notified on 14 November 2025, substituted the text of Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005. The substitution applies uniformly across all States and Union Territories. The public-interest override under Section 8(2) is unchanged. For the practical effect on PIO replies, see Section 8(1)(j) after the DPDP Rules, 2025 and DPDP Act vs RTI — the 2026 position.

Rules, fee figures, and procedural timelines in West Bengal may have been revised by State notification since their original issue. Always confirm the current text against the Government of West Bengal portal and the West Bengal State Information Commission website.

• RTI Rules — Central, State, and Commission rules.
• The Right to Information Act, 2005 — current text.
• How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step.
• The Digital RTI, 2026 — State-by-State online RTI.
• Why RTI Applications Get Rejected — and How to Avoid It.
• Guide for applicants.
• DPDP Act vs RTI — the 2026 position.

1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005), Sections 15 and 27.
2. The State rules notified by the Government of West Bengal under Section 27 of the Act.
3. The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (notified 14 November 2025).

20 April 2026