RTI WikiAll states › Himachal Pradesh

๐Ÿ“œ RTI in Himachal Pradesh

Everything an RTI applicant in Himachal Pradesh needs โ€” State Information Commission, official fee & payment mode, accepted languages, scheme-specific templates, 1 case-law decisions from your jurisdiction, and tools to draft + file in 60 seconds.
Capital: Shimla Districts: 12 Fee: โ‚น10 Mode: IPO/Treasury Challan Languages: Hindi, Sanskrit Population: 68.6 L (2011)

๐Ÿ“‹ Quick reference for Himachal Pradesh

Everything you need at a glance โ€” fee, deadline, contact, online portal, penalty.

Fee & deadlines

Application fee: โ‚น10 (BPL: free under ยง7(5))
Payment mode: IPO/Treasury Challan
Reply deadline: 30 days (48 hours for life/liberty)
First Appeal: within 30 days of deemed refusal
Second Appeal: within 90 days of FAA order

Contact & portal

SIC email: hpsic@hp.gov.in
SIC portal: hpsic.hp.gov.in
Online filing: hpsic.hp.gov.in
Penalty on PIO: โ‚น250/day (cap โ‚น25,000) under ยง20(1)
Additional fees (RTI Rules 2012): โ‚น2 per A4 page (certified copy) ยท โ‚น5 per hour for inspection of records (after first hour, free) ยท BPL applicants exempt from all fees.

๐Ÿ› Information Commission & High Court

Where you escalate Second Appeals (ยง19(3)) + where state RTI judgments come from.

State Information Commission (SIC)

Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission
๐ŸŒ https://hpsic.hp.gov.in
โœ‰ hpsic@hp.gov.in
For Second Appeals under ยง19(3) RTI Act 2005.

State High Court

Court code: HC-HP
High Court of Himachal Pradesh (writ jurisdiction over SIC orders + RTI Act interpretation).
โš– Browse HC-HP RTI judgments โ†’

๐ŸŒ Online filing portal for Himachal Pradesh

File RTIs against state public authorities directly online (instead of postal Speed Post).

https://hpsic.hp.gov.in
Pay fee (โ‚น10) via portal payment gateway or upload IPO/Treasury Challan as accepted by your state. For Union Government RTIs (UIDAI, EPFO HQ, MEA, etc.), use central portal rtionline.gov.in.

โš– Case law from your state curated ยท 1 total

Real PIO + FAA behaviour your HC-HP + SIC-HP have ruled on. Cite these in your RTI / First Appeal โ€” directly binding on every public authority in Himachal Pradesh.

๐ŸŽฏ Scheme-specific RTI templates

Citizens in Himachal Pradesh most often need RTIs for these state + central schemes. Each link is a copy-ready template.

๐Ÿ“š Articles mentioning Himachal Pradesh on RTI Wiki

Wiki articles where Himachal Pradesh appears in title, description, or context.

Himachal Pradesh RTI Guide 2026
Complete 2026 RTI guide for Himachal Pradesh โ€” fees, payment modes, State Information Commission, online portal, sample RTIs, case law, help
How to File RTI in Himachal Pradesh โ€” Online & Postal Guide (2026)
Step-by-step guide to filing an RTI application in Himachal Pradesh โ€” state portal, fee (Rs. 10
Himachal Pradesh โ€” RTI Rules and Resources
Right to Information in Himachal Pradesh โ€” the applicable Information Commission, State rules, fee structure, and how to file. Confirm curre

๐Ÿ›  Tools for Himachal Pradesh RTI filers

All tools support state-language input where applicable (Hindi/English are universal; some tools handle Hindi/Sanskrit).

๐Ÿ“ How to file an RTI in Himachal Pradesh โ€” 7 steps

Plain-English walkthrough. Total time: about 30 minutes.

1
Identify the right department & PIO
Find the public authority that holds your information (use our PIO Finder or the department list below).
2
Draft your RTI application
Plain paper. State the information sought specifically โ€” quote section/file numbers if known. Use our AI Drafter for a polished draft.
3
Pay the fee
In Himachal Pradesh: โ‚น10 via IPO/Treasury Challan. BPL applicants exempt โ€” attach BPL card photocopy + invoke ยง7(5) RTI Act.
4
Submit your application
Three options: (a) Speed Post to PIO (recommended โ€” get receipt for ยง7(1) clock); (b) walk-in at PIO office; (c) online via hpsic.hp.gov.in.
5
Wait 30 days for reply
Calendar starts the day after PIO receives your RTI. Diary it. Life-and-liberty matters: 48 hours under proviso to ยง7(1).
6
File First Appeal if no reply / unsatisfactory
To the FAA of the same office under ยง19(1) within 30 days of deemed refusal. Free of cost. FAA must dispose within 30-45 days under ยง19(6).
7
File Second Appeal to SIC-HP
To the Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission under ยง19(3) within 90 days of FAA order. SIC has ยง19(8) powers including ordering disclosure + โ‚น250/day fine on the PIO.

๐Ÿข Major government departments โ€” common RTI targets

In Himachal Pradesh, citizens most commonly file RTIs against these public authorities. Each entry shows the typical subject matter the department handles.

๐Ÿ›Revenue Department
Land records, mutation, encumbrance, caste/income/domicile certificates
๐ŸŽ“Education Department
School admissions (RTE 25%), scholarships, UDISE+, exam results, mid-day meal
๐ŸฅHealth & Family Welfare
PHC/CHC services, immunisation, hospital records, Ayushman Bharat empanelment
๐Ÿ‘ฎHome / Police Department
FIR copy, investigation status, license verification, public order
๐Ÿ—Urban Development / ULB
Building permission, occupancy certificate, water/sewerage, street lights, property tax
๐ŸŒพRural Development / Panchayati Raj
MGNREGA, PMAY-G, gram panchayat works, sarpanch accountability
๐ŸšœAgriculture & Cooperation
Crop loans, KCC, fertilizer subsidy, mandi prices, PM-KISAN
๐Ÿ›ฃPublic Works (PWD)
Road construction, bridges, government building, contractor records
๐Ÿ’งWater Resources / Jal Shakti
Irrigation, canals, JJM, drinking water, dam safety
๐ŸญIndustries / MSME
Udyam registration, single-window clearance, industrial subsidies
๐Ÿ Housing
PMAY-U, slum rehabilitation, ULB housing cell, government quarters
๐Ÿš—Transport (RTO)
DL, RC, vehicle fitness, permit, NOC, road tax
๐ŸŒณEnvironment & Forests
Pollution control NOC (CTE/CTO), forest clearance, wildlife
๐Ÿ‘ทLabour & Employment
ESIC, EPF, minimum wages, factory inspection
๐Ÿ‘ตSocial Welfare
NSAP pensions (widow, old-age, disability), SC/ST/OBC welfare
๐ŸšFood & Civil Supplies
Ration card, FPS dealer, NFSA, PDS distribution

๐Ÿ“œ Sample RTI question templates for Himachal Pradesh

Three reusable question patterns that work for most citizen RTIs. Substitute the bracketed values with your own.

Sample 1
I am a resident of Himachal Pradesh. Please provide the status of my application no. [____] dated DD-MM-YYYY for [scheme/service]. Specifically: (1) current stage; (2) name and designation of the dealing officer holding my file; (3) reason for delay beyond the timeline specified in the [State Citizen Charter / Scheme Operational Guidelines]; (4) expected date of disposal.
Sample 2
Please provide a copy of the file noting on application no. [____] submitted to your office on DD-MM-YYYY, including any objections raised, and the ยง10 severability if any portion is exempt under ยง8 of the RTI Act 2005.
Sample 3
Provide the list of beneficiaries of [scheme name] sanctioned by your office in Himachal Pradesh for FY 2024-25, in compliance with ยง4(1)(b)(xii) of the RTI Act 2005. (Personal contact details may be redacted under ยง8(1)(j); other sanction details are public.)

โš  Common mistakes to avoid in Himachal Pradesh

Filing errors that get RTIs rejected or weakened โ€” and what to do instead.

โœ— Don't
Asking "Why is my application delayed?"
โœ“ Do
Ask "Provide the file noting + reason for delay beyond [scheme] timeline" โ€” RTI seeks records, not opinions (//Khanapuram Gandaiah//, SC 2010).
โœ— Don't
Filing without your application reference number
โœ“ Do
Always include your application/scheme reference number โ€” the office cannot trace your file otherwise.
โœ— Don't
Sending by ordinary post (no proof)
โœ“ Do
Always use Speed Post or Registered Post AD โ€” the receipt proves the date of filing for the ยง7(1) 30-day clock.
โœ— Don't
Asking for someone else's personal data
โœ“ Do
Other applicants' Aadhaar, bank, phone, address are ยง8(1)(j) personal information (//Girish Ramchandra Deshpande//, SC 2013) โ€” denied. Only your own + suo motu disclosable lists.
โœ— Don't
Not paying the fee (or invoking BPL waiver)
โœ“ Do
Application returned as defective. Pay via the state-accepted mode OR attach BPL card for ยง7(5) waiver.
โœ— Don't
Sending a Union RTI (UIDAI/EPFO/MEA) to a state portal
โœ“ Do
Wrong addressee โ€” file Central RTIs at rtionline.gov.in.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions โ€” Himachal Pradesh

The 6 most common questions citizens ask about filing RTIs in Himachal Pradesh.

QHow much does it cost to file an RTI in Himachal Pradesh?
The standard application fee is โ‚น10, payable via IPO/Treasury Challan. BPL applicants are exempt from any fee under ยง7(5) RTI Act 2005 โ€” attach a copy of your BPL card.
QWhat languages can I file RTI in for Himachal Pradesh?
You can file in Hindi, Sanskrit OR in English OR in Hindi (every Indian state accepts Hindi as a Union language). The PIO is required to provide the reply in the language requested or in the local official language.
QWhat if the PIO doesn't reply in 30 days?
Treat it as a deemed refusal under ยง7(2) RTI Act. File a First Appeal under ยง19(1) to the FAA of the same office within 30 days. If the FAA also fails, file a Second Appeal under ยง19(3) to the Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission within 90 days.
QCan I track my RTI online for Himachal Pradesh?
Yes โ€” at the state portal: https://hpsic.hp.gov.in. For Union Government RTIs (UIDAI, EPFO HQ, MEA, MoRTH, etc.) use central portal rtionline.gov.in instead.
QWhat is the penalty if my PIO ignores the RTI?
โ‚น250/day fine (capped at โ‚น25,000) on the PIO from their personal salary, under ยง20(1) RTI Act 2005, ordered by the SIC/CIC. The PIO can also face departmental action.
QAre there extra charges beyond โ‚น10?
Yes โ€” typically โ‚น2 per A4 page for certified copies and โ‚น5 per hour for inspection of records (after the first hour, which is free) under the RTI Rules 2012. The PIO must intimate the additional fee in writing before delivery.

State data verified Apr 2026 from official portals. Case-law count reflects curated entries in our 408-case database โ€” full court coverage at /cases/search.

โ“ Frequently asked questions

Is RTI free in Himachal Pradesh?
No. The statutory filing fee in Himachal Pradesh is โ‚น10, payable by IPO, DD, online. BPL applicants are exempt under ยง7(5). RTI Wiki tools are free; the only money you pay is the โ‚น10 statutory fee to the government.
What is the RTI fee in Himachal Pradesh?
โ‚น10 per application, payable by IPO, DD, online to the Accounts Officer of the public authority. For first appeal, no extra fee.
Can I file RTI online in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes โ€” file at https://admis.hp.nic.in/himrti. For state-specific records, postal is more reliable.
Where do I file an RTI in Himachal Pradesh?
You file with the PIO of the department holding the record. For state matters, the PIO is at the department's state HQ or district office. For Central matters (passport, PAN, EPF), use rtionline.gov.in. Capital city: Shimla.
Who is the State Information Commissioner in Himachal Pradesh?
Narender Chauhan. Address: SIC Himachal Pradesh, Shimla. Phone: 0177-2624936. Website: https://hpsic.nic.in
How long does the Himachal Pradesh PIO have to reply?
30 days from the date of filing under ยง7(1) of the RTI Act, 2005. 48 hours for life-and-liberty matters under the ยง7(1) proviso. Beyond 30 days, the silence is treated as deemed refusal under ยง7(2).
How do I file First Appeal in Himachal Pradesh?
File First Appeal under ยง19(1) within 30 days of the PIO order (or 30 days after the ยง7(1) deadline if PIO is silent). The First Appellate Authority (FAA) is the senior officer in the same department. Use our free First Appeal Builder.
How do I file Second Appeal to Himachal Pradesh SIC?
Within 90 days of the FAA order (or after FAA fails to decide within 30-45 days). File at SIC Himachal Pradesh, Shimla. Phone: 0177-2624936. Website: https://hpsic.nic.in.
Can I file RTI in Hindi?
Yes. Under ยง6(1), the application can be in English, Hindi, Hindi. The PIO can request translation if not in the official language of the public authority.
What if the PIO refuses without reason in Himachal Pradesh?
A bare refusal without sub-clause citation is a ยง7(8)(i) violation. File First Appeal under ยง19(1); the FAA must set aside such orders. The PIO can also be penalised up to โ‚น250/day under ยง20.
Can I file RTI from outside Himachal Pradesh?
Yes โ€” any Indian citizen anywhere in the country (or NRI with Indian citizenship) can file an RTI to any public authority in Himachal Pradesh. Address it to the PIO at the state HQ.
How do I find the PIO's name in Himachal Pradesh?
Every public authority must publish its PIO contact under ยง4(1)(b)(xvi). Check the department website. If not published, file the RTI to "The Public Information Officer, [Department], Shimla" โ€” they are obligated to forward it correctly under ยง6(3).
What kind of records can I get under RTI in Himachal Pradesh?
Any "information" held by a public authority under ยง2(j) โ€” files, decisions, orders, contracts, accounts, beneficiary lists. Subject to ยง8 exemptions. You cannot ask for opinions or hypotheticals; only existing records.
Are file notings disclosable in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, post the decision under R.K. Jain v. UoI. Pre-decisional notings on Cabinet matters are exempt under ยง8(1)(i). For everything else, file notings are usually disclosable.
Can I get my answer-script under RTI in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes โ€” Aditya Bandopadhyay v. CBSE (2011). Answer scripts of public exams (state board, SSC, UPSC) are disclosable. Some states have a separate fee for evaluation copies.
Can I get my police case file in Himachal Pradesh?
Case-diary RTIs from non-parties are usually refused under ยง8(1)(h) (investigation pending) per Khanapuram Gandaiah. Closure reports + chargesheets are disclosable post-closure. Himachal Pradesh police RTIs go to the SP/DGP office.
What if Himachal Pradesh portal does not work?
File postal โ€” IPO + Speed Post with AD (Acknowledgement Due). The 30-day clock starts the next day after delivery. Keep the AD card as proof for First Appeal.
How do I get property records in Himachal Pradesh?
File RTI to the Sub-Registrar / Tahsildar / Revenue Department of the relevant district. Section 6(1) request for "year-wise mutation/registration entries for survey no. ___ in village ___". Fee โ‚น10.
Can I file RTI for Aadhaar / PAN issues from Himachal Pradesh?
Aadhaar and PAN are CENTRAL matters โ€” file with UIDAI / Income Tax Department respectively, via rtionline.gov.in. State portals do not handle these.
Where can I find Himachal Pradesh state RTI Rules?
On the SIC website: https://hpsic.nic.in. Each state makes its own RTI Rules under ยง27 governing fee, mode, and procedure. Filing fee in Himachal Pradesh: โ‚น10 via IPO, DD, online.