Online & other › Government benefit, certificate or RTI
Want to file an RTI
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- What is the problem? I want information / file an RTI
- Where is your RTI? Not filed yet
Where you stand
- In your favour An RTI costs ₹10 (free for BPL) and must be answered within 30 days.
- Be careful Since November 2025, information that is personal to someone else can be refused.
Do these now
- RTI application asking for your file status and reasons for delay
Often moves a stuck file. Where: rtionline.gov.in or state RTI portal / by post with ₹10 fee.
Papers to gather
- Your application with date and receipt / acknowledgement number
Service time limits run from this date. Where: Your copy; the portal. - Your ID and address proof
Every application and appeal asks for it. Where: Aadhaar / voter ID / ration card. - Short, specific questions you want answered (file number, dates, names of officers)
Vague RTIs get vague replies; specific ones get answers. Where: Write them down before filing.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- The rejection order or stoppage message — An appeal attacks the reason given.
What the law says
Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, you can ask any public authority for information; they must reply within 30 days (48 hours if life or liberty is involved). First appeal is within 30 days to the appellate officer, and second appeal within 90 days to the Information Commission. Since 13 November 2025, personal information about others is exempt from disclosure. Grievances against central offices can be filed on CPGRAMS; most states have Right to Public Services laws that fix time limits for certificates and services and allow appeals. Disability rights and certificates are under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (UDID).
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- Which government?
- Did you apply in writing and get a receipt?
Similar situations
- Old-age, widow or disability pension stopped
- Ration card cancelled or not issued
- Caste, income or domicile certificate refused
- No reply to my RTI in 30 days
- Government office not doing my work for months
- PM-Kisan or scheme money stopped
- Housing scheme house not allotted
- Name missing from the voter list
Sources
- RTI Online (Government of India)
- CPGRAMS — public grievance portal
- UDID — disability certificate portal
- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (official site)
The full guide: Government benefit, pension, ration card or certificate refused or delayed — or I want to file an RTI · All situations