vs:rti-vs-cpgrams
Table of Contents
RTI vs CPGRAMS — when to use which?
TL;DR. CPGRAMS is for grievance redressal — “fix my problem” (delayed pension, broken streetlight, lost passport file). RTI is for information — “tell me what happened, who decided, when”. Filing the wrong one wastes time. Often, file both for maximum pressure.
Compared
| Aspect | RTI | CPGRAMS |
| Statutory backing | RTI Act 2005 | DARPG resolution |
| Goal | Get information | Get action |
| Reply guarantee | 30 days §7(1) | “reasonable time” (no statutory deadline) |
| Cost | Rs 10 | Free |
| Forum | PIO / FAA / CIC/SIC | Department officer / nodal officer |
| Penalty teeth | §20 — Rs 250/day on PIO | Closure rate metric only |
| Best for | Investigation, paper-trail, accountability | Routine service delivery |
Hybrid strategy (works best)
File both the same day:
- CPGRAMS at pgportal.gov.in — gets routed to a nodal officer with internal pressure
- RTI under §6 — creates a statutory paper trail and 30-day deadline
When the RTI reply comes, you have institutional facts. When CPGRAMS closure comes, you have action. Combined: action + accountability.
Examples
- Delayed pension → CPGRAMS (push payment) + RTI (file location, who held it)
- Broken streetlight → CPGRAMS (fix it) + RTI (maintenance contract)
- RTE admission denied → CPGRAMS (review) + RTI (lottery records)
Related
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.
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vs/rti-vs-cpgrams.txt · Last modified: by 127.0.0.1