How to File RTI in Kolkata — Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026

What is RTI and Why It Matters

The Right to Information Act, 2005 empowers every Indian citizen to request information from any public authority. It is one of the most powerful tools for transparency, accountability, and fighting corruption. Whether you need information about a delayed passport, a property record, a government scheme, or a pending complaint — RTI can help.

In Kolkata, RTI applications can be filed with central government departments, West Bengal state government offices, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Kolkata Police, Bankshall Court administration, and hundreds of other public authorities.

Step-by-Step RTI Filing Process

Step 1: Identify the Correct Public Authority

Determine which government department holds the information you need. For example: property records → KMC or Land Records office; passport status → Regional Passport Office; police complaint status → concerned police station or Kolkata Police HQ.

Step 2: Draft Your RTI Application

Your application must include:

• Your full name and contact address
• Clear, specific questions — avoid vague requests
• Mention that you are an Indian citizen
• Specify the format you want the information in (photocopy, digital, inspection)

Tip: Ask specific questions, not generic ones. Instead of "give me all details about the project," ask "what is the sanctioned budget, who is the contractor, and what is the completion deadline?"

Step 3: Pay the RTI Fee

The application fee is ₹10. Payment methods:

• Indian Postal Order (IPO) payable to the Accounts Officer of the concerned department
• Demand Draft / Banker's Cheque
• Cash payment at designated counters (some departments)
• Online payment via rtionline.gov.in (for central government departments)

Step 4: Submit the Application

Send by registered post with acknowledgment due, or hand-deliver to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the department. Always keep a copy and proof of submission. You can also file online for central government departments at rtionline.gov.in.

Step 5: Track the Response

The PIO must respond within 30 days (48 hours for matters involving life and liberty). If no response, it's considered a deemed refusal — and you can file a first appeal.

RTI Fees in Kolkata

• Application fee: ₹10
• Photocopy charges: ₹2 per page (A4/A3)
• Floppy/CD/DVD: ₹50
• Inspection of records: Free for the first hour, ₹5 per 15 minutes thereafter
• No fee for BPL card holders

What If Your RTI is Denied? — Appeals Process

If the PIO rejects your application or fails to respond within 30 days:

1. First Appeal: File with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30 days of the refusal. The FAA is typically a senior officer in the same department.
2. Second Appeal: If the FAA also denies or fails to respond (within 45 days), file a second appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or West Bengal Information Commission (WBIC). This must be filed within 90 days.

Common RTI Uses in Kolkata

• Checking the status of a pending complaint with KMC
• Obtaining property records and mutation status
• Tracking passport or Aadhaar application status
• Getting information about government tenders and contracts
• Verifying educational qualifications of government employees
• Checking the status of a criminal investigation
• Getting copies of land records and khatian

To,
The Public Information Officer
[Name of Department]
[Address]

Date: _________

Sub: Application under Section 6 of the Right to Information Act, 2005

Sir/Madam,

I am an Indian citizen seeking the following information under the RTI Act, 2005:

1. [Specific question 1]
2. [Specific question 2]
3. [Specific question 3]

I request that the information be provided in [written/photocopy/digital] format.

A Postal Order No. _____ dated _____ for ₹10 is enclosed as application fee.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Phone Number]

Frequently Asked Questions