How to File an RTI Application for a Passport?

Source: ipleaders

According to the Right to Information Act, 2005, Indian citizens can request the Chief Public Information Officer (CPV Division, Ministry of External Affairs) in writing or online to release information that falls under the individual's right to knowledge.

In a similar manner, you may file an RTI application if you don't receive your passport on time or for other vital reasons.

If you want to know how to file an RTI application for a passport and associated crucial details, continue reading.

The Act of the Right to Information (RTI), legislated by the Indian Parliament (2005), is a means through which citizens can access information held by public authorities and, thus, makes the government’s operations more transparent and responsible. 

The Act provides a way in which citizens can get pertinent information on several public issues, such as processing and status of passport applications.

Here are a few key reasons why you should file an RTI if you are facing issues with your passport application:

Transparency:

Filing an RTI reveals the reason behind the delay in one’s passport application and provides clear updates about its status.

Accountability:

It ensures that public authorities are accountable for their actions, hence reducing corruption and ensuring that they adhere to the process without bribery.

Access to Information:

You can obtain comprehensive information about every stage your application has passed through and the people involved.

Issue Resolution:

If your application is disapproved, filing an RTI will help you understand why it happened and what you can do to resolve the problem quickly.

Citizen Empowerment:

This legislation gives you the right to know what is happening with your application, enabling you to participate in the democratic process.

Preventing Misuse:

Filing RTI ensures that passport officials follow necessary procedures, thus preventing misuse of power.

Cost-Effective:

Filing an RTI is a budget-friendly way to get the information you need, compared to more expensive legal routes.

Understanding the underlying causes of the problems and using this act to address and resolve them is critical. 

Go through the following instructions to know how to file an RTI for a passport:

Step 1: Visit the official portal of RTI.

Step 2: Click on the 'Submit a request option' from the website. 

Step 3: In the 'Guidelines for use of RTI online portal', click on the checkbox and choose 'Submit'.

Step 4: Then, select the department or ministry, to make an application.

Step 5: After the submission of the application, save the unique reference number for future use.

Step 6: If you are from the non-BPL category, select 'No' in 'Is the applicant below the poverty line?’

Step 7: Make a payment of ₹ 10 as per the rules.

Step 8: Find the RTI request application which is up to 3000 characters. However, if the text is more than 3000 characters, find it in the supporting document field.

Step 9: Select make payment.

Step 10: Finally, complete your payment.

This is all about how to file an RTI application for a passport.

For the offline process, you need to apply for the Chief Public Information Officer according to a specified format. Fill in the details, such as your name, residential address, contact details and other relevant information.

As an applicant, you can opt for any of the following modes of payment -

Offline

In case you are submitting an RTI application in writing, the following modes of payment are:

• Cash
• Demand Draft
• Bank's Cheque
• Indian Postal Order

Online

In an online application, you can pay via -

• Internet Banking (State Bank Of India and other associated banks)
• Debit or Credit Card

RTI Act guarantees that applicants will get the desired information within 30 days. If you do not get your desired information (as per the sub-section (1) or clause 3(a) of section 7) within the prescribed date or are not satisfied with the PIO's decision, submit an appeal to the Appellate Authority.

By tracking the status of your RTI application, you will know if it is being processed or has been acted upon. Here is how to do it:

1. Online Tracking:

• RTI Online Portal: Visit the RTI Online Portal and log in with your credentials. By using the application reference number, you will be able to see where your application is.

• Public Authority Websites: At times, some public authorities will have developed their own systems that can be used for tracking on their websites where they allow people to input their reference numbers so as to get an update about such matters.

2. Contacting the Public Information Officer (PIO):

• Direct Inquiry: Phone call or email the public information officer (PIO) in charge of that particular public authority and enquire about whether your application has been attended to; ensure that you state your reference number for prompt response.

3. Postal Tracking:

• Follow-Up: If you sent your RTI application through post, checking its postal delivery status could be followed by a further enquiry. If no response is received within the given time frame, then a reminder may need to be sent.

4. First Appellate Authority:

• Escalation: In case there is no reply within the prescribed time limit, one can approach First Appellate Authority (FAA) for a redress/escalation or filing of the appeal.

5. Email Notifications:

• Check for Updates: If the RTI Online Portal or the public authority offers email notifications, ensure you check your email regularly for updates on your application status.

Using these methods, you can efficiently track the progress of your RTI application and ensure that it is handled in a timely manner.