How to File an RTI Application for a Passport?

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.

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What is RTI?
Why File for an RTI for Passport?
How to File Online/Offline?
Documents Required
Fee to File an RTI Application
Modes of Payment
Time Taken by PIO to Respond
Track Your RTI Application Status
Details about CPIOs & FAA in PSP Division
Frequently Asked Questions

What is RTI?

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.

Why Should You File for an RTI for Passport?

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.

How to File an RTI Application for a Passport Online?

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.

How to File an RTI Application for a Passport Offline?

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.

Documents Required to File an RTI Application for a Passport

Individuals need to submit the following documents required for an RTI application -

Category	Details
Proof of Identity	Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License
Proof of Address	Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Gas), Rent Agreement
RTI Application Form	Properly filled RTI request form, if available, from the concerned department's website or office
Passport Details	Copy of the passport application receipt, Application reference number, Copy of the passport, if already issued
RTI Application Fee Payment Proof	Bank draft or postal order, Online payment receipt
Cover Letter	Brief cover letter explaining the purpose of the RTI application (optional but recommended)

Applicants falling under BPL category do not need to pay an application fee. However, they must attach a copy of the BPL or Antyodaya ration card along with the application letter. Also, they need to enter their BPL card number, issuing year, and authority.

For other applicants, there are no specific documents required to file an RTI. You may attach a separate sheet specifying the details of the information you need.

These are the minimal documents required for an RTI application.

What is the Fee to File an RTI Application in Passport?

If you want to obtain information under subsection (1) of Section 6, you need to pay ₹10.

Additional Application Fees

Additional charges are applicable when seeking information under sub-sections (1) and (5) of Section 7. Take a look at the table to know the applicable rates -

Subsection (1) of Section 7

For creating each page or copied in A4 and A3 size paper	₹2
Samples or models	Actual price
Inspection of records	No fee is charged in the first hour. After that, ₹5/hour is applicable.

Subsection (5) of Section 7

Providing information in floppy discs	₹50/ floppy disc
Providing information in print	₹2/page of the copy from publication

Note - If an additional application fee is applicable, the CPIO will inform you about the same via the RTI portal. You can see it under "Status Report'' or in your email.

What Are the Modes of Payment for RTI Application Fees?

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

How Much Time Does a PIO Take to Respond to an Application?

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.

How to Track Your RTI Application Status?

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.

Details about CPIOs or First Appellate Authority (FAA) in the PSP Division

As an applicant, you need to submit your application in writing to the following Public Information Officers. The table showcases some of the names and other important information of the Central Public Officer and Appellate Authority.

Take a look:

Details about CPIOs in the PSP Division

CPIO (Name & Designation)	Telephone Number	Email ID
Shri A.S. Takhi - Director (PSP-Coordination & Vigilance)	23382658	dirpspc@mea.gov.in
Shri T. P. S Rawat - Deputy Secretary (PSP-I)	23070364	uspsp1@mea.gov.in
Shri K.K Meena - Under Secretary(Ops.)	23386786	dpo.ops@mea.gov.in
Shri Sahib Singh - (PSP-Admin and Cadre)	23073259	dpopsp4@mea.gov.in

Details about First Appellate Authority in the PSP Division

First Appellate Authority (Name & Designation)	Telephone Number	Email ID
Shri Prabhat Kumar - AS (PSP) & CPO	23387013 / 23384536	jscpo@mea.gov.in
Shri Ashok Kumar Singh - OSD(PSP)	23386064	dirpsp@mea.gov.in

Details about CPIOs and First Appellate Authority in Passport Offices

Here are some of the important information about CPIOs and First Appellate Authority in Passport Offices -

Details about CPIOs in Passport Offices

Public Information Officer (Name & Designation)	Contact Number	Email ID
Shri Balraj - Senior Superintendent	0183-2506251, 2506252, 0183-2502104/08	rpo.amritsar@mea.gov.in
Shri C.V. Ravindran - Senior Superintendent	079-26309103, 079-26309104, 079-26309118	rpo.ahmedabad@mea.gov.in
Shri Atul Kumar Saxena - Senior Superintendent	0581-2311874, 0581-2301027, 0581-2302031	rpo.bareilly@mea.gov.in
Smt. Evilin Daniel - Deputy Passport Officer	080-25706146, 25706100, 25706101, 25706102, 25706103	rpo.bangalore@mea.gov.in
Shri Devabrata Bhuiya - Assistant Passport Officer	0674-2564470 / 2563855, 0674-2564460	rpo.bbsr@mea.gov.in

Details about First Appellate Authority in Passport Offices

First Appellate Authority	Designation
Shri Munish Kapoor	Regional Passport Officer (Amritsar -143 001).
Smt. Sonia Yadav	Regional Passport Officer (Ahmedabad -380 006)
Mohammed Naseem	Regional Passport Officer (Bareilly -243 122)
Shri. Krishna K.	Regional Passport Officer (Bangalore -560 095)
Shri Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra	Regional Passport Officer (Bhubaneswar -751 012)

RTI application for a passport is an important step to address any grievances you face related to your passport. Additionally, the online application has made it easier to apply for the same. Remember pointers, such as how to file an RTI application for a passport and documents in mind to streamline the application process.

FAQs about RTI Application for a Passport

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Can you track your RTI application status?

Yes. You can track your RTI application status on the official website of Passport Seva.

Enter your RTI reference number and select "Track" to check the application status.

Do you need to pay for the first appeal in RTI?

No. You don’t need to pay any charges for the first appeal in RTI.

Can I file RTI for my passport?

Yes, you can file an RTI application to inquire about the status or issues related to your passport application.

Can RTI application be filed online?

Yes, many public authorities can file RTI applications online through the RTI Online Portal.

How do you pay the RTI fee?

The RTI fee can be paid via bank drafts, postal orders, or online through the RTI Online Portal, depending on the process of the public authority.

What are RTI fees?

RTI fees typically range from ₹10 for filing the application, with additional charges for providing copies of documents, depending on the public authority's rules.

Can I pay the application fee for an RTI application submitted online through the RTI Online Portal?

Yes, you can pay the RTI application fee online through the RTI Online Portal using digital payment methods.

Can I appeal if I don't receive a decision within the specified time or if I am aggrieved by the PIO's decision?

Yes, you can file an appeal with the First Appellate Authority if you don't receive a decision within the stipulated time or are dissatisfied with the PIO's response.

Is a Court fee stamp accepted for RTI?

No, court fee stamps are not accepted for RTI applications; fees must be paid via bank draft, postal order, or online as specified by the public authority.

How many questions can be asked in one RTI application?

There is no specific limit to the number of questions, but the application should be clear and concise to ensure effective processing.

What should I do if my passport is delayed?

If your passport is delayed, you can file an RTI application to inquire about the status and reasons for the delay.

Can I send RTI through email?

No, RTI applications generally cannot be sent via email; they must be submitted online through the RTI Online Portal or physically to the relevant public authority.

What documents are required for RTI application for passport?

Required documents include proof of identity, proof of address, the RTI application form, and proof of RTI fee payment.