How do I file an RTI application in Bhopal under the state RTI rules and what is the fee?

Detailed Legal Analysis

To file a Right to Information (RTI) application in Bhopal under the Madhya Pradesh RTI Rules, you need to follow specific steps and pay a nominal fee as per the state regulations.

The Madhya Pradesh Right to Information Act, 2005, aligns with the Central RTI Act, 2005, and governs the process of filing RTI applications in the state. Here’s how you can file an RTI application in Bhopal:

• Drafting the Application: Prepare a concise application specifying the information you seek. Ensure that the request is clear and unambiguous.
• Addressing the Application: Address the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the relevant department. You can find the details of the PIO on the official website of the respective department or the state RTI portal.
• Mode of Submission: You can submit the application in person, via post, or online through the state RTI portal if that facility is available.
• Format: While there is no mandatory format, it is advisable to include the following details:
  • Your name and address.
  • A clear description of the information sought.
  • Date and signature at the bottom of the application.
• Fee Payment: The fee for filing an RTI application in Madhya Pradesh is as follows:
  • Rs. 10 for the application fee (Section 6(1) of the MP RTI Rules).
  • Additional fees may apply for information provided in printed form, as per Section 7 of the RTI Act.
• Payment Method: The fee can be paid in cash or through a demand draft drawn in favor of the PIO. If submitting the application online, follow the payment procedure outlined on the portal.
• Tracking the Application: After submission, you can track the status of your application using the reference number provided by the PIO.

In case of denial or unsatisfactory response, you can appeal to the First Appellate Authority within 30 days of receiving the PIO's response, as per Section 19 of the RTI Act.

For detailed information, you may refer to the Madhya Pradesh Right to Information Act, 2005, and the Madhya Pradesh RTI Rules, 2005.