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

Detailed Legal Analysis

To file a Right to Information (RTI) application in Muzaffarpur under the Bihar RTI rules, you need to follow specific procedures and pay a nominal fee as stipulated by the Bihar Right to Information Act, 2009.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to file your RTI application:

• Eligibility: Any Indian citizen can file an RTI application under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
• Format of Application: You can draft your application in a simple format. It should include:
• Your name and address.
• The details of the information sought, being as specific as possible.
• The name of the public authority to which the request is being made.
• Where to Submit: You can submit your application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department. In Bihar, applications can be submitted at:
• District Collector’s Office.
• The office of the concerned department in Muzaffarpur.
• Online through the Government of Bihar’s RTI portal, if available.
• Fees: As per the Bihar RTI Rules, 2009, the fee structure is as follows:
• For the first 100 pages of information: Rs. 10 per page.
• For each additional page: Rs. 2.
• For a copy of a document: Rs. 2 per page.
• For information provided in electronic form: Rs. 50.
• No fee is charged for Below Poverty Line (BPL) applicants, but they must provide proof of their status.
• Payment Method: The fee can be paid through:
• Cash at the office of the PIO.
• Demand Draft in favor of the concerned public authority.
• In some cases, you may be allowed to pay through postal order.
• Response Time: The PIO is required to respond within 30 days of receiving the application. If the information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, the response time is reduced to 48 hours.

In case of rejection or non-response, you have the right to file an appeal under Section 19 of the RTI Act, 2005.

For further details, you may refer to the Bihar Right to Information Act, 2009 and the central Right to Information Act, 2005.