Chhattisgarh RTI Online: Apply, Fees, First & Second Appeal

Chhattisgarh has an official online RTI portal at rtionline.cg.gov.in, where citizens can file RTI applications and First Appeals against departments and public authorities of the State Government. The portal supports online fee payment through the integrated e-Challan system. An alternative access portal is also available at rti.cgstate.gov.in.

The RTI process in the state is governed by the Chhattisgarh Right to Information (Fees and Charges) Rules, 2007. The application fee is Rs. 10. For offline applications, a Rs. 10 Court Fee Stamp is the commonly accepted payment method under the state rules.

RTI applications relating to the Chhattisgarh High Court and District Courts follow a separate procedure. They must be filed through the dedicated High Court RTI portal at highcourt.cg.gov.in/online_rti/. The High Court Rules prescribe an application fee of Rs. 12, which is different from the standard state RTI fee.

If you are not satisfied with the decision on your RTI application or First Appeal, you can approach the Chhattisgarh State Information Commission. The Commission functions from Nava Raipur Atal Nagar and its official website is siccg.gov.in, where you can access appeal procedures, forms, notifications, and other RTI-related information.

Before filing an RTI, make sure you choose the correct portal. State Government departments use the Chhattisgarh RTI Portal, while Central Government organisations such as Railways, SAIL, SECL, NTPC, Income Tax, Passport Office, and UIDAI use the Central RTI Online Portal. You can also read our complete RTI Online India Guide to understand when to use the state portal and when to use the central portal.

Central vs Chhattisgarh State RTI: Which Portal Should You Use?

Before filing an RTI application, make sure you choose the correct portal. The Chhattisgarh RTI Portal is meant for departments and organisations under the State Government of Chhattisgarh. If the information belongs to a Central Government ministry, PSU, or institution, you should use the Central RTI Online Portal instead.

Use rtionline.cg.gov.in for State Government departments such as:

• Revenue Department for Bhuiyan land records, khasra, khatauni, mutation and patwari records.
• Chhattisgarh Police for FIR-related information, investigations and departmental records.
• Chhattisgarh State Power companies, including CSPDCL, CSPGCL and CSPTCL.
• Municipal Corporations such as Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Korba, Ambikapur and Rajnandgaon.
• Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) and CG Vyapam.
• Gram Panchayat, Janpad Panchayat and Zila Panchayat for MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana and other rural development records.
• School Education Department, CGBSE, Health Department, Forest Department, Chhattisgarh Housing Board and other State Government departments.

Use rtionline.gov.in for Central Government organisations located in Chhattisgarh, including:

• South East Central Railway (SECR).
• Income Tax Department.
• Passport Office.
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
• UIDAI for Aadhaar Card-related matters.
• SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant.
• South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL).
• National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).
• NTPC projects.
• IIT Bhilai and other Central Government educational institutions.

Important: RTI applications relating to the Chhattisgarh High Court and District Courts are not filed through either of the above portals. They must be submitted separately through the official High Court RTI portal at highcourt.cg.gov.in/online_rti/.

Chhattisgarh RTI Fee and Payment Modes

The Chhattisgarh Right to Information (Fees and Charges) Rules, 2007 prescribe the application fee and charges for obtaining information under the RTI Act.

• RTI application fee: Rs. 10
• A4 or A3 photocopy: Rs. 2 per page
• Large-sized documents: Actual cost of copying
• Information on CD: Rs. 50 per CD
• Inspection of records: Free for the first hour, then Rs. 5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof
• First Appeal: No fee
• Second Appeal: No fee

BPL applicants are exempt from paying the application fee. Attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL certificate or card while submitting the RTI application.

Online payment: If you file your application through the Chhattisgarh RTI Portal, the application fee can be paid online using the portal’s integrated e-Challan payment facility.

Offline payment options:

• Rs. 10 Court Fee Stamp affixed to the application
• Treasury Challan
• Non-Judicial Stamp Paper
• Indian Postal Order (IPO)
• Demand Draft (DD)
• Money Order
• Cash against an official receipt at the concerned Public Information Officer’s office

Before submitting an offline application, make sure the fee is paid using one of the accepted methods. If you are unsure about the payment mode accepted by a particular department, contact the concerned Public Information Officer in advance.

How to File an RTI Application Online in Chhattisgarh

You can submit an RTI application online through the official Chhattisgarh RTI Portal. If you are using the portal for the first time, you must create a user account before filing your application.

Step 1: Visit rtionline.cg.gov.in and click User Registration. Read the instructions displayed on the screen, accept them, and continue.

Step 2: Fill in the registration form with your basic details, including your name, address, mobile number and email ID. Review the information carefully and submit the form.

Step 3: The portal sends an account verification link to your registered email address. Open the email, verify your account and create a password as instructed. After successful activation, log in using your email ID and password.

Step 4: After logging in, choose the option to file a new RTI application. Select the concerned Department or Public Authority from the list.

Step 5: Enter your personal details, if required, and write your RTI application in Hindi or English. Ask clear and specific questions. If you need certified copies, records, file notings or government orders, mention each request separately in numbered points.

Step 6: Upload supporting documents, if they are relevant to your application. For example, you may attach an identity document or any record that helps explain your request.

Step 7: Pay the Rs. 10 application fee through the portal’s e-Challan payment facility. Applicants holding a valid BPL certificate can claim the fee exemption by uploading the required document.

Step 8: Review the information entered and submit your RTI application. The portal generates an Application Registration Number. Save this number carefully, as it will be required to check the application status and file a First Appeal, if necessary.

Step 9: You can track the status of your application anytime through the Chhattisgarh RTI Portal using your registration details.

How to File a First Appeal Online in Chhattisgarh

If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or you are not satisfied with the information provided, you can file a First Appeal through the official Chhattisgarh RTI Portal. There is no fee for filing a First Appeal.

Step 1: Log in to your account on the Chhattisgarh RTI Portal using your registered email ID and password.

Step 2: Open the First Appeal section and enter the Registration Number of your original RTI application. The portal automatically retrieves the available application details.

Step 3: Select the appropriate reason for filing the appeal, such as no reply within 30 days or unsatisfactory or incomplete information. Clearly explain the grounds of your appeal in the space provided.

Step 4: If required, upload supporting documents such as the original RTI application, the reply received from the Public Information Officer, or any other relevant record.

Step 5: Review the information carefully and submit your First Appeal. After successful submission, the portal generates a First Appeal Registration Number. Save this number to track the progress of your appeal.

How to File an RTI Application by Post in Chhattisgarh

If you do not want to file your RTI application online, you can send it 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 keep your questions specific and easy to understand.

Step 2: Address the application to the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the concerned department or public authority. Make sure you send it to the correct office to avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 3: Attach the prescribed Rs. 10 application fee using an accepted payment method such as a Court Fee Stamp, Treasury Challan, Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft (DD), Money Order or cash against an official receipt. Applicants holding a valid BPL certificate should attach a self-attested copy of the certificate instead of paying the fee.

Step 4: Keep a photocopy of your RTI application and all supporting documents for future reference.

Step 5: Send the application through Speed Post or Registered Post. Keep the postal receipt safely, as it can be used as proof of submission if required.

Step 6: Once the Public Information Officer receives your application, the RTI response period starts under the RTI Act. If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or you are dissatisfied with the response, you can file a First Appeal.

How to File 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 a signed copy of your RTI application along with any supporting documents, if required. Also, keep the prescribed Rs. 10 application fee or the applicable fee payment instrument. Applicants holding a valid BPL certificate should carry a self-attested copy of the certificate instead.

Step 2: Submit your application to the concerned SPIO or SAPIO. If you are paying the fee in cash, ask for an official receipt as proof of payment.

Step 3: Request the receiving officer to stamp and acknowledge a copy of your application. This acknowledgement serves as proof that your RTI application has been received.

Step 4: Keep the acknowledgement and fee receipt safely. You may need them later to track your application or file a First Appeal if the information is not provided within the prescribed time.

Chhattisgarh High Court RTI: Separate Portal and Rs. 12 Fee

RTI applications relating to the Chhattisgarh High Court and District Courts cannot be filed through the State RTI Portal. Instead, they must be submitted through the official High Court RTI Portal at highcourt.cg.gov.in/online_rti/.

The portal functions under the Chhattisgarh High Court Right to Information Rules, 2005, as amended in 2013, and also covers RTI applications relating to District Courts in the state.

• Application fee: Rs. 12 per RTI application.
• BPL applicants: No application fee, subject to uploading a valid BPL certificate.
• Registration: Create an account on the portal and log in before submitting an application or First Appeal.
• Services available: File RTI applications, submit First Appeals, pay the prescribed fee online and check the application status.

After logging in, select the concerned High Court or District Court, fill in the required details, upload supporting documents if necessary, pay the prescribed fee and submit your application. The portal generates a registration number, which can be used to track the status of your RTI request.

Response Timeline Under the RTI Act

• 30 days: The Public Information Officer (PIO) must provide the requested information or communicate the reasons for rejection within 30 days of receiving the RTI application.
• 48 hours: If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be provided within 48 hours.
• 35 days: If you submit your RTI application through a State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO), an additional five days are allowed for forwarding the application to the concerned PIO.
• Transfer within 5 days: If the requested information is held by another public authority, the PIO must transfer your application within five days under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act and inform you about the transfer.
• Additional fee: If the department asks you to pay additional charges for providing copies or records, the period between the fee intimation and your payment is excluded while calculating the response time.

First Appeal Under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act

If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or you are dissatisfied with the information provided by the Public Information Officer (PIO), you can file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department.

• When to file: Within 30 days from the date the RTI response was due or within 30 days of receiving an unsatisfactory reply.
• Appeal fee: No fee is payable for filing a First Appeal in Chhattisgarh.
• Decision timeline: The First Appellate Authority should decide the appeal within 30 days. In exceptional cases, this period may be extended up to 45 days, provided the reasons for the delay are recorded in writing.

You can submit the First Appeal online through the Chhattisgarh RTI Portal or send it offline to the concerned First Appellate Authority.

Second Appeal to the Chhattisgarh State Information Commission

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority or you do not receive any order within the prescribed time, you can file a Second Appeal before the Chhattisgarh State Information Commission (CGSIC).

• Time limit: File the Second Appeal within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority’s decision or from the date on which the decision was due. The Commission may accept a delayed appeal if sufficient reasons are provided.
• Appeal fee: No fee is payable for filing a Second Appeal.

Important: The State Information Commission requires Second Appeals to be filed in the format prescribed under Rule 3 of the Chhattisgarh Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules, 2005. The appeal should also include the documents specified under Rule 4. You can download the prescribed format and instructions from the Commission’s official website.

Documents generally required:

• Copy of the original RTI application.
• Proof of submission and fee payment, if applicable.
• Copy of the reply received from the Public Information Officer, if any.
• Copy of the First Appeal.
• Copy of the First Appellate Authority’s order, if available.
• Copies of any other documents referred to in the appeal.

Chhattisgarh State Information Commission
Sector 19, North Block
Nava Raipur Atal Nagar
District Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492002

• Website: siccg.gov.in
• FAQ: View Second Appeal Guidelines
• Phone: 0771 2512107
• Fax: 0771 2512102
• Email: sic.cg@nic.in

You can submit the Second Appeal by post or deliver it personally to the Commission’s office. Before filing, ensure that all required documents are attached to avoid unnecessary delays.

RTI for the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha

RTI applications relating to the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha, including the Legislative Assembly Secretariat and its administrative records, are governed by the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha RTI Rules, 2012.

Such applications are not processed through the Chhattisgarh RTI Portal. Instead, they must be submitted to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Secretariat in accordance with the applicable rules.

Useful Tips for Filing RTI in Chhattisgarh

• Choose the correct RTI portal: Use rtionline.cg.gov.in only for Chhattisgarh Government departments. For Central Government organisations such as SECR, SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant, SECL, NMDC and NTPC, file your RTI through the Central RTI Portal.
• Check public records before filing an RTI: If your query is related to land records, first search the Bhuiyan Portal. Many khasra and khatauni records are already available online, which can save both time and the RTI application fee.
• High Court RTIs use a different portal: RTI applications relating to the Chhattisgarh High Court and District Courts must be filed through the dedicated High Court RTI Portal. They are not accepted on the state RTI portal.
• Keep proof of submission safely: Whether you file online or offline, preserve your registration number, postal receipt, acknowledgement or payment receipt. These documents are required if you need to file a First Appeal or Second Appeal later.
• Ask for existing records only: Frame your RTI to seek documents, certified copies, file notings, reports or records already available with the public authority. Avoid asking questions that require explanations, opinions or justifications, as these generally do not fall within the definition of “information” under the RTI Act.

Information That Cannot Be Obtained Under RTI

The Right to Information Act gives citizens access to records held by public authorities. However, certain information is exempt under Sections 8 and 9 of the RTI Act.

• Information affecting national security or sovereignty.
• Personal information that has no public interest.
• Trade secrets and commercially confidential information.
• Information prohibited by a court.
• Cabinet papers before a decision is taken.
• Information that does not exist on record or requires the department to create a new record.

Quick Reference Links

Service	Details
Chhattisgarh RTI Portal	rtionline.cg.gov.in
Alternate RTI Portal	rti.cgstate.gov.in
Chhattisgarh High Court RTI Portal	highcourt.cg.gov.in/online_rti/
High Court RTI Fee	Rs. 12 per application
Chhattisgarh State Information Commission	siccg.gov.in
Commission FAQ	Second Appeal Guidelines
Phone	0771-2512107
Fax	0771-2512102
Email	sic.cg@nic.in
Office Address	Sector 19, North Block, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, District Raipur, Chhattisgarh – 492002
Bhuiyan Land Records	bhuiyan.cg.nic.in
Chhattisgarh Government Portal	cgstate.gov.in
RTI Application Fee	Rs. 10
Photocopy Charges	Rs. 2 per page (A4/A3)
Online Payment	e-Challan
Offline Payment Modes	Court Fee Stamp, Treasury Challan, IPO, Demand Draft, Money Order or Cash (where permitted)
Central RTI Portal	rtionline.gov.in
Chief Minister Helpline	Read our Chhattisgarh CM Helpline Guide to register complaints related to state government departments and public services.
National RTI Guide	RTI Online India Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Which rules apply to RTI applications in Chhattisgarh?
Ans. RTI applications in Chhattisgarh are governed by the Chhattisgarh Right to Information (Fees and Charges) Rules, 2007. RTIs relating to the High Court and the Vidhan Sabha follow their respective RTI rules.

Q. Is there any RTI fee exemption for people living in PESA areas?
Ans. Yes. Eligible applicants from notified PESA (Scheduled) Areas can avail RTI services without paying the application fee, subject to the applicable government provisions. BPL applicants are also exempt from paying the RTI application fee after submitting valid proof.

Q. Why is the RTI fee for the Chhattisgarh High Court Rs. 12?
Ans. The Chhattisgarh High Court follows its own RTI Rules, which prescribe an application fee of Rs. 12. RTIs related to the High Court and District Courts should be filed through the dedicated High Court RTI portal, not the state RTI portal.

Q. How can I file a Second Appeal in Chhattisgarh?
Ans. A Second Appeal must be filed before the Chhattisgarh State Information Commission within 90 days. The appeal should follow the format prescribed under the Chhattisgarh Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules, 2005 and include the required supporting documents.

Q. Should I file an RTI for SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant on the Chhattisgarh portal?
Ans. No. SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant, SECL, SECR, NMDC and other Central Government organisations should be approached through the Central RTI Portal, not the Chhattisgarh RTI portal.

Q. Can I file an RTI application in Hindi?
Ans. Yes. You can submit your RTI application in Hindi or English. Hindi is the official language of Chhattisgarh and is commonly used for RTI applications across the state.

Q. Where can I check Chhattisgarh land records before filing an RTI?
Ans. Before filing an RTI for land-related information, check the Bhuiyan Portal. If the required khasra or khatauni details are already available online, you may not need to file an RTI.

Q. Can I submit an RTI application offline in Chhattisgarh?
Ans. Yes. You can submit your application personally or send it by post to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) along with the prescribed fee or valid fee exemption proof.