There is no prescribed format for filing an RTI application under the RTI Act, 2005, though some departments may provide a suggested format. The application must include the applicant’s name and address, the name of the public authority, a clear description of the information sought, and details of the application fee (usually ₹10). It should also mention that the request is made under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act and be signed and dated by the applicant.

Yes, **adoptive and step-children** are also liable to maintain senior citizens under the **Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007**.

The Act defines "children" to include **biological, adoptive, and step-children**, making them equally responsible for the care and maintenance of their elderly parents.

Yes, you can write your RTI application in Hindi or any other regional language recognized in the area where the public authority is located. The RTI Act allows applications in English, Hindi, or the official language of the local area. Using a regional language will not negatively affect processing, though responses may be faster if the authority commonly uses that language.

Your questions under RTI should be as specific and clear as possible to get precise and useful information. Avoid vague or broad queries.

No, you cannot file an RTI directly to private institutions unless they are substantially financed or controlled by the government.
A 'public authority' under the RTI Act, 2005 is defined as:
Any authority, body, or institution of self-government established or constituted by the Constitution, law made by Parliament or State Legislature, or government notification.
It also includes bodies owned, controlled, or substantially financed by the government, including NGOs receiving substantial government funds.
In short, if a body is not governmental or publicly funded/controlled, it doesn't qualify as a public authority under RTI.

Central Government
Application Fee: ₹10
Mode of Payment:
Cash: Directly at the Public Information Officer (PIO)'s office.
Demand Draft (DD) or Indian Postal Order (IPO): Payable to the PIO or the concerned public authority.
Electronic Money Order (EMO): Accepted by some departments.
Court Fee Stamp: Affixed to the application.
State Government
Fee Structure: Varies by state.
Payment Methods: Similar to the central government, but it's advisable to check the specific state's RTI rules for any variations.

No, the RTI Act provides a fee exemption for Below Poverty Line (BPL) applicants.
BPL applicants do not have to pay the prescribed application fee when filing an RTI request.
Proof Required for Fee Exemption
The applicant must attach a valid BPL certificate issued by the competent authority (such as the local Revenue Officer or Panchayat).
This certificate serves as proof of eligibility for exemption from the fee.

In India, elderly individuals (typically aged 60 and above) are guaranteed several rights under constitutional provisions, statutory laws, and welfare schemes
Constitutional Rights
Legal Rights
Financial Rights and Benefits
Health and Welfare Rights
Right to Legal Aid
Right to Dignity and Participation

You should receive a reply within 30 days from the date your application is received by the Public Information Officer (PIO).
If your RTI concerns a matter outside the jurisdiction of the PIO, they must transfer it to the correct department within 5 days of receiving it.
You must be informed about the transfer.

If you do not receive a response to your RTI application within the stipulated time or receive an incomplete, unsatisfactory, or misleading reply, you have the right to appeal.
30 days: General timeline for response from the Public Information Officer (PIO).

48 hours: If the information concerns life or liberty of a person.
35 days: If the RTI was sent via an Assistant PIO.
No response = Deemed refusal: If you don’t get a reply within these timelines, it's treated as if the request was denied.