If you want to file an RTI application with any department of the Government of Himachal Pradesh, you can do it online through the official Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal. The portal allows citizens to submit RTI applications, First Appeals, and Second Appeals online, making Himachal Pradesh one of the few states where the complete RTI process is available on a single platform.
New RTI applications require a Citizen Login. Once registered, you can file applications, pay the prescribed fee online, and track their progress from your account. The portal supports both English and Hindi, accepts applications of up to 10,000 characters, and provides online payment through Internet Banking (SBI), Debit/Credit Cards, and RuPay Cards.
The RTI process in the state is governed by the Himachal Pradesh Right to Information (Fee and Cost) Rules, 2006. The application fee is ₹10. If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, you can file a Second Appeal before the Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission (HPSIC). For official information, orders, and contact details, visit sic.hp.gov.in.
If you are looking for RTI procedures applicable across India or for Central Government departments, you can also read our RTI Online India Guide.
State RTI Portal or Central RTI Portal? Know Which One to Use
Before filing an RTI application, make sure you choose the correct portal. Use the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal for information held by departments of the State Government. For Central Government ministries, organisations, and public authorities located in Himachal Pradesh, use the Central RTI Portal.
Use the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal for:
- Revenue Department – Jamabandi, mutation (Intkal), land records, and Tehsil office records.
- Himachal Pradesh Police – FIR status, investigation records, and police administration.
- HP State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) – Electricity connections, bills, and related services.
- Jal Shakti Vibhag – Drinking water supply and sewerage services.
- Public Works Department (PWD) – Roads, bridges, and government construction works.
- Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) – Bus services and transport-related records.
- School Education Department and HPBOSE – Schools, teachers, examinations, and results.
- Health & Family Welfare Department – Government hospitals and health services.
- Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Panchayats, and other local bodies.
- Social Justice & Empowerment Department – Pension and welfare schemes.
- Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC).
Use the Central RTI Portal for:
- Central Government Ministries and Departments.
- Northern Railway, including the Kalka-Shimla Railway and Kangra Valley Railway.
- Income Tax Department.
- Passport Office.
- Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
- UIDAI (Aadhaar Card-related records).
- Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
- Central Public Sector Undertakings (such as NHPC, ONGC, and HPCL).
- Central educational institutions, including IIT Mandi, NIT Hamirpur, and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh.
Important: RTI applications related to the Himachal Pradesh High Court must be filed under the High Court’s own RTI Rules and procedure, not through the state RTI portal.
HP RTI Fee and Payment Methods
The RTI application fee and other charges in Himachal Pradesh are prescribed under the Himachal Pradesh Right to Information (Fee and Cost) Rules, 2006.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| RTI Application | ₹10 |
| Photocopy of documents (A4/A3) | ₹2 per page |
| Copies on larger paper | Actual cost |
| Information on CD/DVD | ₹50 per disc |
| Inspection of records | Free for the first hour, then ₹5 for every 15 minutes or part thereof |
| First Appeal | No fee |
| Second Appeal | No fee |
BPL applicants are exempt from paying the RTI application fee. Attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL certificate while submitting the application.
Online Payment Options
If you apply through the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal, you can pay the ₹10 application fee using:
- Internet Banking (SBI)
- Debit Card (MasterCard or Visa)
- Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa)
- RuPay Card
Offline Payment Options
If you submit your RTI application by post or in person, you can pay the prescribed fee through:
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Demand Draft (DD)
- Cash (against an official receipt at the concerned office)
How to File an RTI Application Online in Himachal Pradesh
You can file an RTI application online through the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal. Before you begin, keep your mobile number, email ID, and payment method ready.
Step 1: Visit the official HP RTI Portal and click Citizen Login. If you are a new user, create an account by registering with your mobile number and email ID. Complete the OTP verification and log in.
Step 2: After logging in, click Submit Request. Read the RTI guidelines displayed on the screen, accept them, and continue to the application form.
Step 3: Select the Public Authority or Department from which you want information. Then enter your name, postal address, mobile number, email ID, and other required details.
Step 4: Write your RTI application in clear and specific language. The portal allows up to 10,000 characters. If your application is longer or you want to attach supporting documents, upload them in PDF format.
Step 5: If you are a BPL applicant, upload a self-attested copy of your valid BPL certificate. Other applicants need to pay the ₹10 application fee using the available online payment options.
Step 6: Review all the details carefully and submit your application. After successful submission, the portal generates a unique Registration Number. Save this number, as you will need it to track your application and file appeals, if required.
Step 7: If the department asks you to pay any additional fee for providing copies of records, the intimation will be available in your application status on the portal. Make the payment online to avoid delays.
Step 8: To check the progress of your application, open the RTI Status page and enter your Registration Number. The portal also provides features such as Pendency Checker and Status by SMS for tracking applications.
How to File a First Appeal Online in Himachal Pradesh
If you do not receive a reply to your RTI application within the prescribed time or you are not satisfied with the information provided, you can file a First Appeal through the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal. There is no fee for filing a First Appeal.
Step 1: Log in to the HP RTI Portal using your Citizen Login and click Submit First Appeal.
Step 2: Enter the Registration Number of your original RTI application. The portal will retrieve your application details automatically.
Step 3: Clearly mention the reason for filing the appeal, such as no reply within the prescribed time or unsatisfactory information received.
Step 4: Review the details and submit your appeal. After successful submission, save the acknowledgement or reference number for future use.
Step 5: You can monitor the progress of your appeal through the View Status option available on the portal.
How to File a Second Appeal Online in Himachal Pradesh
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority or you do not receive a decision within the prescribed time, you can file a Second Appeal online through the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal. Himachal Pradesh is one of the few states that provides an online facility for filing Second Appeals. There is no fee for submitting a Second Appeal.
Step 1: Log in to the HP RTI Portal and click Submit Second Appeal.
Step 2: Enter the Registration Number of your original RTI application and the details of your First Appeal. The portal automatically retrieves the available records.
Step 3: Clearly explain why you are filing the Second Appeal. Mention whether the information was denied, incomplete, misleading, or not provided within the prescribed time.
Step 4: Upload supporting documents, such as copies of your RTI application, First Appeal, and any reply received from the department, if required.
Step 5: Review the information carefully and submit your appeal. You can track its progress anytime through the View Status option available on the portal.
How to File an RTI Application by Post in Himachal Pradesh
If you do not want to apply online, you can also submit your RTI application by post to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the department holding the information.
Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain paper in Hindi or English. Clearly mention the information you want and ask specific questions. Avoid seeking opinions or explanations.
Step 2: Attach the prescribed ₹10 application fee through an Indian Postal Order (IPO) or Demand Draft (DD) or State Stamp Paper. If you are a BPL applicant, attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL certificate instead of paying the fee.
Step 3: Attach copies of any supporting documents only if they are relevant to your request.
Step 4: Before sending the application, keep a photocopy or scanned copy of the complete set for your records.
Step 5: Send the application to the concerned department by Speed Post or Registered Post. Keeping the postal receipt safely will help you track the delivery and serve as proof of submission, if required.
How to Submit an RTI Application in Person
If you prefer to submit your RTI application personally, you can visit the office of the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) or State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO) during office hours.
Step 1: Carry your completed RTI application along with the prescribed application fee or a valid BPL certificate, if applicable.
Step 2: Submit the application to the SPIO or SAPIO of the concerned department. If you are paying the fee in cash, collect the official payment receipt.
Step 3: Request an acknowledgement or receiving copy showing the date of submission. Keep it safely for future reference.
Step 4: Preserve the receipt and acknowledgement until you receive the RTI reply or complete the appeal process, if required.
Tip: If visiting the office is not convenient, you can file your application online through the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal.
RTI Response Time in Himachal Pradesh
Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, public authorities must provide information within the prescribed time limits.
| Situation | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Normal RTI application | Within 30 days from the date the application is received. |
| Information related to life or liberty | Within 48 hours. |
| Application transferred to another public authority under Section 6(3) | The transfer should be made within 5 days. The reply period is counted from the date the concerned public authority receives the transferred application. |
| Additional fee required | If the department asks you to pay additional charges for copies or documents, the reply period remains on hold until the payment is made. After payment, the process continues as per the RTI Act. |
When Can You File a First Appeal?
If you do not receive a reply to your RTI application within the prescribed time or you are dissatisfied with the information provided, you have the right to file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| When to file | Within 30 days from the expiry of the RTI response period or from the date you receive an unsatisfactory reply. |
| Appeal fee | No fee |
| Decision by the First Appellate Authority (FAA) | The appeal should normally be decided within 30 days. In exceptional cases, this period may be extended up to 45 days, provided the reasons are recorded in writing. |
When Can You File a Second Appeal?
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority (FAA), or you do not receive a decision within the prescribed time, you can file a Second Appeal before the Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission (HPSIC) under Section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Time limit | Within 90 days from the date of the FAA’s order or from the expiry of the prescribed time for deciding the First Appeal. The Commission may condone the delay if sufficient cause is shown. |
| Appeal fee | No fee |
| Appellate Authority | Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission (HPSIC) |
| Official Website | sic.hp.gov.in |
| scic-hp@nic.in | |
| Phone | 0177-2629894, 0177-2621529 |
| Office Address | Keonthal Commercial Complex, Khalini, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – 171002 |
Important Tips Before Filing an RTI in Himachal Pradesh
- Choose the correct RTI portal: Use the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal for State Government departments and the Central RTI Portal for Central Government ministries, organisations, and public authorities.
- Register before filing: New RTI applications can be submitted only after creating a Citizen Login on the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal. Keep your mobile number and email ID ready for OTP verification.
- Write clear and specific questions: Ask for existing records, documents, file notings, reports, or certified copies. Avoid asking for opinions, explanations, or hypothetical questions.
- Keep your Registration Number safe: The Registration Number generated after submitting your RTI application is required to check the application status and file First or Second Appeals.
- Use the online appeal facility: Himachal Pradesh is among the few states that allow both First Appeal and Second Appeal to be filed online through the same RTI portal, making the entire RTI process more convenient.
Quick Reference
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| HP RTI Portal | onlinerti.hp.gov.in |
| Check RTI Status | onlinerti.hp.gov.in/submit-rti/check-status |
| Portal Contact | onlinerti.hp.gov.in/site/contact |
| Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission (HPSIC) | sic.hp.gov.in |
| HPSIC Helpline | 0177-2629894, 0177-2621529 |
| HPSIC Email | scic-hp@nic.in |
| HPSIC Address | Keonthal Commercial Complex, Khalini, Shimla – 171002 |
| Case Status / Orders | sic.hp.gov.in/UI/citizen/QueryScreen.aspx |
| HP Land Records | lrc.hp.nic.in |
| Himachal Pradesh Government | himachal.nic.in |
| Application Fee | ₹10 |
| Photocopy Charges | ₹2 per page |
| Online Payment Methods | SBI Internet Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, RuPay Card |
| Offline Payment Methods | Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft (DD), Cash (in person) |
| Central RTI Portal | rtionline.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which rules apply to RTI applications in Himachal Pradesh?
Ans. RTI applications in Himachal Pradesh are governed by the Himachal Pradesh Right to Information (Fee and Cost) Rules, 2006, as amended from time to time. The application fee is ₹10, while no fee is charged for filing a First or Second Appeal.
Q. What is the maximum text limit on the HP RTI Portal?
Ans. The HP RTI Portal allows up to 10,000 characters in an online RTI application. If your application is longer or you need to attach supporting documents, you can upload them in PDF format.
Q. Do I need a Citizen Login to file an RTI application?
Ans. Yes. New RTI applications can be filed only after creating a Citizen Login on the HP RTI Portal. Register with your mobile number and email ID, complete OTP verification, and then submit your application.
Q. Can I file a Second Appeal online in Himachal Pradesh?
Ans. Yes. Himachal Pradesh is one of the few states that allows citizens to file a Second Appeal online through the official HP RTI Portal. No separate fee is required for filing the appeal.
Q. Which portal should I use for Northern Railway or other Central Government departments?
Ans. RTI applications related to Northern Railway, Passport Office, Income Tax, EPFO, UIDAI, or any other Central Government department should be filed through the Central RTI Portal, not the Himachal Pradesh RTI Portal.
Q. How can I contact the Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission?
Ans. You can contact the Himachal Pradesh State Information Commission (HPSIC) by calling 0177-2629894 or 0177-2621529, emailing scic-hp@nic.in, or visiting sic.hp.gov.in for official information and orders.
Q. How can I check the status of my RTI application?
Ans. Visit the RTI Status page on the HP RTI Portal and enter your Registration Number. The portal also provides a Pendency Checker to view pending applications.
Tabassum is a government document researcher and writer with over 5 years of experience exclusively dedicated to tracking and simplifying Central and State Government document processes across India. She has researched and published detailed guides on 100+ government documents and certificates – including Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Ration Card, Domicile Certificate, and Birth Certificate – covering all states and the Central Government, helping lakhs of Indian citizens successfully complete their paperwork in simple, easy-to-understand language.