Punjab RTI Online Guide: Rules, Fees, Appeals & Login

If you want information from any Punjab Government department, you can now file your Right to Information (RTI) application online through the official Punjab RTI Portal. The portal lets citizens submit RTI applications, file First Appeals and Second Appeals, track their cases, and make online submissions from anywhere without visiting government offices.

From 26 November 2025, Punjab introduced mandatory Citizen Login for every new RTI application filed through the portal. You must sign in using your Punjab Citizen Account before submitting a fresh application. However, if you filed your RTI before this date, you can still submit a First Appeal, Second Appeal, or check your application’s status without logging in.

Punjab follows a different RTI fee structure from most Indian states. The application fee is Rs 50, and filing a First Appeal also costs Rs 50, making Punjab one of the few states that charges for both stages. You can pay the prescribed fee through an Indian Postal Order (IPO), Crossed Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, Cash against an official receipt, or the payment options available on the online portal. RTI applications may be submitted in Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Hindi, or English.

If you are not satisfied with the First Appellate Authority’s decision, or no decision is issued within the prescribed time, you can approach the Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC). The Commission functions from the Red Cross Building, Sector 16, Chandigarh, and also accepts eligible online Second Appeals through the Punjab RTI Portal. The current Chief Information Commissioner is Sh. Inderpal Singh, while the Commission itself was constituted on 11 October 2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

RTIs relating to the administrative records of the Punjab and Haryana High Court cannot be filed through the Punjab RTI Portal because the High Court operates its own independent RTI system at phhc.gov.in/E_RTI.

If you want to understand the RTI process applicable across India, you can also read our detailed RTI Online India Guide.

Which RTI Portal Should You Use in Punjab?

Before filing an RTI, identify whether the information is held by the Punjab Government, the Central Government, the Chandigarh Administration, or the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Each authority follows a different RTI mechanism, and submitting your application to the wrong portal can delay the process.

Use rti.punjab.gov.in for Punjab Government departments and public authorities such as:

• Revenue Department – jamabandi, mutation (intqaal), fard, land acquisition and other land records
• Punjab Police – FIRs, investigation records, action taken reports, and administrative information
• Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) – electricity bills, connections, outages, and related records
• Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB)
• Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)
• Public Works Department (PWD) and Punjab Roads & Bridges Development Board
• Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), PUDA, Amritsar Development Authority, Ludhiana Development Authority
• Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats across Punjab
• Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishads for MGNREGS, PMAY and other rural development records
• Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development
• Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) and School Education Department
• Health & Family Welfare Department, Civil Hospitals and District Health Centres
• Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC)

Use rtionline.gov.in if the information belongs to a Central Government ministry, department, PSU, or statutory authority operating in Punjab, including:

• Northern Railway and Ferozepur Railway Division
• Income Tax Department
• Regional Passport Offices at Amritsar and Jalandhar
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
• Aadhaar Card -related information)
• Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)
• IIT Ropar, NIT Jalandhar and other Central Government educational institutions

RTI for Chandigarh Administration: Chandigarh is a Union Territory and has a separate administrative setup. If your RTI relates to Chandigarh Administration departments, submit it through the appropriate Central Government RTI mechanism instead of the Punjab RTI Portal.

RTI for Punjab & Haryana High Court: Administrative information of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is governed by separate RTI Rules. Submit such applications through the High Court’s dedicated RTI portal at phhc.gov.in/E_RTI, not through rti.punjab.gov.in.

Punjab RTI Fees, Additional Charges and Payment Options

The Punjab Right to Information Rules prescribe different charges for filing an RTI application, submitting a First Appeal, obtaining copies of records, inspecting files, and receiving information in electronic form. Before applying, make sure you pay the correct amount to avoid delays in processing your request.

• RTI application fee: Rs 50
• First Appeal fee: Rs 50
• Photocopies (A4/A3 size): Rs 10 per page
• Information on floppy: Rs 50 per floppy
• Information on diskette: Rs 100 per diskette
• Inspection of records: Rs 10 for the first hour, followed by Rs 5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof
• Maps and plans: Actual cost determined by the Public Information Officer based on labour and material
• Second Appeal before the Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC): No fee

Who should receive the fee? The prescribed fee should be paid in favour of the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) or State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO) of the concerned Punjab Government department.

Fee exemption for BPL applicants: Applicants belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are exempt from paying the application fee under Section 7(5) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. A self-attested copy of the valid BPL certificate or BPL card should be attached to the RTI application to claim this exemption.

Accepted offline payment methods include:

• Crossed Demand Draft (DD) drawn in favour of the concerned PIO/SPIO
• Banker’s Cheque (Pay Order) payable to the concerned PIO/SPIO
• Indian Postal Order (IPO) payable to the concerned PIO/SPIO
• Cash payment at the office of the concerned PIO against an official receipt

Online payment: If you submit your RTI application through rti.punjab.gov.in, you can pay the prescribed fee using the portal’s integrated online payment gateway, which supports common digital payment methods such as debit cards, credit cards, and net banking.

Can You File an RTI in Punjabi?

Yes. Under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, an RTI application can be submitted in the official language of the area. Since Punjabi (Gurmukhi script) is the official language of Punjab, you have the same legal right to file your RTI in Punjabi as you do in Hindi or English. The Punjab RTI Portal also supports Punjabi text input, and a Public Information Officer (PIO) cannot refuse an application simply because it is written in Punjabi or ask you to provide an English translation.

Filing your RTI in Punjabi can be particularly helpful when seeking information from local government offices where day-to-day records are maintained primarily in Punjabi. This often makes your request easier for the concerned department to understand and process.

You may prefer to write your RTI in Punjabi when seeking information from:

• Tehsil and Naib Tehsildar offices for jamabandi, mutation (intqaal), fard and other land records
• Block Development Offices, Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis for MGNREGS, PMAY and other rural development schemes
• Municipal Councils and local urban bodies in cities such as Batala, Phagwara, Gurdaspur, Abohar and Malerkotla
• District Agriculture Offices for crop insurance, farmer welfare schemes and agricultural records

How to File an RTI Application Online in Punjab

If you are filing an RTI online for the first time, don’t worry. The entire process takes only a few minutes if you already have a Punjab Citizen account. Follow these steps carefully.

Important: Since 26 November 2025, every new RTI application on the Punjab RTI Portal requires a Citizen Login. RTIs submitted before this date can still be tracked, and eligible First Appeals can be filed using the earlier application details.

Step 1: Open the official Punjab RTI Portal

Visit rti.punjab.gov.in. The RTI service is integrated with the Government of Punjab’s Connect Punjab citizen services platform.

Step 2: Sign in with your Punjab Citizen account

Click Citizen Login. If you are a new user, first create your account on Connect Punjab. After registration, use the same username and password to access the RTI portal.

Step 3: Start a new RTI application

After logging in, open the RTI service and click Apply RTI to begin your application.

Step 4: Choose the correct Public Authority

Select the Punjab Government department or public authority that holds the information you need. Choosing the correct department helps avoid unnecessary transfer or delay.

Step 5: Write your RTI request

Enter your questions in Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Hindi, or English. Ask for specific records, certified copies, file notings, orders, reports, or documents instead of seeking opinions or explanations.

Step 6: Review your details and submit

Fill in the required information, check everything carefully, and click Submit. The portal will redirect you to the payment page.

Step 7: Pay the prescribed fee

Pay the Rs 50 application fee through the portal’s online payment gateway. Applicants claiming the BPL exemption should upload the required proof instead of making a payment.

Step 8: Save your Registration Number

After successful submission, the portal generates a unique Registration Number. Keep it safe because you will need it to track your application and file an appeal later. SMS updates are also sent to your registered mobile number.

Step 9: Check your RTI status

Whenever you want to see the progress of your application, log in to the portal and open the RTI Status section using your Registration Number.

How to File the First Appeal in Punjab

If the Public Information Officer does not provide information within the prescribed time, or if you are dissatisfied with the reply received, you can file a First Appeal.

Step 1: Log in to rti.punjab.gov.in using your Connect Punjab Citizen account.

Step 2: Open your RTI application from the dashboard or status page.

Step 3: Click Submit First Appeal.

Step 4: Clearly mention why you are filing the appeal, such as no reply within the prescribed time or an incomplete or unsatisfactory reply.

Step 5: Pay the prescribed Rs 50 First Appeal fee through the portal and submit the appeal.

Step 6: A First Appeal Registration Number will be generated. You can log in later to check its status.

How to File a Second Appeal or Complaint in Punjab

If you are still not satisfied after the First Appeal, or your case falls under the provisions of Section 18 of the RTI Act, you may approach the Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC).

Visit the Commission’s official website at infocommpunjab.com to obtain the latest procedure, prescribed forms, and contact details for filing a Second Appeal or Complaint. As of now, the official Punjab RTI Portal does not clearly provide a documented online workflow for submitting Second Appeals through the portal, so applicants should follow the procedure notified by the Punjab State Information Commission.

Fee: No fee is payable for filing a Second Appeal before the Punjab State Information Commission.

How to File an RTI by Post in Punjab

If you do not want to use the online portal, you can also submit your RTI application by post to the concerned Punjab Government department.

Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain paper in Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Hindi, or English. Mention your name, complete postal address, contact details, and clearly describe the information you want to obtain.

Step 2: Address the application to the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) or State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO) of the concerned department or public authority.

Step 3: Attach the prescribed Rs 50 application fee through an Indian Postal Order (IPO), Crossed Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, or any other mode permitted under the Punjab RTI Rules. Applicants claiming the BPL exemption should attach a self-attested copy of their valid BPL certificate instead of paying the fee.

Step 4: Keep photocopies of your RTI application and fee receipt for future reference.

Step 5: Send the application through Speed Post or Registered Post. Preserve the postal receipt because it serves as proof that your application was dispatched.

How to Submit an RTI Application in Person

You can also submit your RTI application directly at the office of the concerned SPIO or SAPIO during office hours.

Step 1: Carry your completed RTI application along with the prescribed application fee or BPL proof, if applicable.

Step 2: Submit the application to the concerned SPIO or SAPIO and pay the fee through the accepted offline payment method.

Step 3: Collect the payment receipt and an acknowledgement bearing the office seal or the receiving date. Keep these safely until you receive the RTI reply.

Punjab and Haryana High Court RTI

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has a separate RTI system for obtaining its administrative records. Applications relating to the High Court should be submitted through the official RTI portal at phhc.gov.in/E_RTI in accordance with the High Court’s own RTI Rules. Do not submit such applications on the Punjab RTI Portal because they are handled independently by the High Court.

Punjab RTI Response Time

After your RTI application is received by the concerned Public Information Officer, the reply must be provided within the time limits prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

• 30 days: Normal time limit for providing information or issuing a written rejection.
• 48 hours: When the requested information concerns the life or liberty of a person.
• 35 days: If the application is submitted to a State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO), as an additional five days are allowed for forwarding it to the SPIO.
• Transfer within 5 days: If another public authority holds the information, the application must be transferred under Section 6(3) within five days.

When Can You File an Appeal?

You can file a First Appeal if the Public Information Officer does not reply within the prescribed period or if you believe the information supplied is incomplete, incorrect, or has been wrongly denied.

If you are still dissatisfied after the First Appeal, you may approach the Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) by filing a Second Appeal under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act. The appeal should normally be filed within 90 days from the First Appellate Authority’s decision or from the date on which the decision should have been issued.

The detailed procedure for filing First Appeals and Second Appeals has already been explained in the sections above.

Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) Contact Details

If you need to file a Second Appeal, submit a complaint under Section 18 of the RTI Act, check hearing details, or obtain information about Punjab RTI Rules, you can contact the Punjab State Information Commission.

• Official Website: infocommpunjab.com
• RTI Helpline: 0172-2864100 (Working days, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• General Enquiry: 0172-2864105
• Email: scic@punjabmail.gov.in
• Chief Information Commissioner: Sh. Inderpal Singh
• State Information Commissioner: Sh. Harpreet Sandhu
• Punjab RTI Rules: View RTI Rules
• Department-wise PIO Directory: Download PIO List (PDF)
• Daily Cause List: View Cause List

Video Conferencing Facility for PSIC Hearings

The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) allows many hearings to be conducted through Video Conferencing (VC), reducing the need for applicants to travel to Chandigarh. The facility connects the Commission with Deputy Commissioners’ offices across Punjab, enabling eligible appellants and complainants to participate from their respective districts.

In addition to the district Video Conferencing facility, the Commission also conducts eligible hearings through the Cisco Webex platform. Depending on the Commission’s directions, parties may attend the hearing from their local DC office, join remotely through Webex, or appear in person at the Commission’s office. Applicants should inform the Commission in advance about their preferred mode of appearance whenever required.

You can check the latest hearing status and case progress on the official PSIC website at infocommpunjab.com/Status.aspx.

Useful Tips Before Filing an RTI in Punjab

• Use the correct application fee: Punjab charges Rs 50 for both an RTI application and a First Appeal. Do not use the Central Government RTI fee of Rs 10 when applying to Punjab Government departments.
• Create a Connect Punjab account: Since 26 November 2025, new RTI applications require a Punjab Citizen account. Register through Connect Punjab before using the RTI portal.
• Choose the correct RTI portal: Use rti.punjab.gov.in for Punjab Government departments, rtionline.gov.in for Central Government authorities, and the separate Punjab & Haryana High Court RTI portal for High Court records.
• Write specific questions: Ask for documents, records, file notings, certified copies, reports, or official data instead of seeking opinions or explanations.
• Keep your Registration Number safe: It is required for tracking your application and for filing a First Appeal, if necessary.
• Attend hearings remotely when permitted: If the Punjab State Information Commission schedules your matter through Video Conferencing or Webex, follow the instructions issued by the Commission to join the hearing.
• Learn the RTI process: The Punjab State Information Commission also provides a free RTI Certification Course through punjabrticertification.com for citizens who want to better understand the RTI Act, exemptions, and appeal process.

Quick Reference

Particular	Details
Punjab RTI Portal	rti.punjab.gov.in
Punjab Citizen Login	connect.punjab.gov.in
Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC)	infocommpunjab.com
Application Fee	Rs 50
First Appeal Fee	Rs 50
Second Appeal Fee	No Fee
Accepted Languages	Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Hindi and English
Online Payment	Debit Card, Credit Card and Net Banking
Offline Payment	IPO, Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque or Cash (where permitted)
PSIC Helpline	0172-2864100 (Working Days, 10 AM – 4 PM)
General Enquiry	0172-2864105
Email	scic@punjabmail.gov.in
Commission Address	Red Cross Building, Near Rose Garden, Sector 16, Chandigarh
High Court RTI Portal	phhc.gov.in/E_RTI
Central RTI Portal	rtionline.gov.in
Jamabandi Punjab	jamabandi.punjab.gov.in
Punjab RTI Rules	View Rules
PIO Directory	Download PDF
Cause List	View Online
RTI Certification Course	punjabrticertification.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can I file an RTI application online in Punjab?
Ans. Yes. You can submit an RTI application online through the official Punjab RTI Portal at rti.punjab.gov.in. Since 26 November 2025, new RTI applications require a valid Punjab Citizen account for login.

Q. Do I need a Connect Punjab account to file an RTI?
Ans. Yes. New RTI applications can only be submitted after logging in with a Punjab Citizen account on Connect Punjab. The same account can also be used for various other Punjab Government online services.

Q. How much is the RTI application fee in Punjab?
Ans. The application fee is Rs 50. Punjab also charges Rs 50 for filing a First Appeal. Applicants belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are exempt from paying the application fee after submitting valid proof.

Q. Can I submit my RTI application in Punjabi?
Ans. Yes. RTI applications may be filed in Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Hindi, or English. The Public Information Officer cannot reject your application merely because it is written in Punjabi.

Q. Can I file a complaint before the Punjab State Information Commission?
Ans. Yes. Apart from hearing Second Appeals under Section 19 of the RTI Act, the Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) also entertains complaints under Section 18 in matters such as refusal to accept an RTI application, non-appointment of a Public Information Officer, unreasonable fee demands, or other violations of the RTI Act. The latest procedure is available on infocommpunjab.com.

Q. Can I attend a PSIC hearing without travelling to Chandigarh?
Ans. Yes. Depending on the Commission’s directions, hearings may be conducted through the Video Conferencing facility available at district-level offices or through Cisco Webex. Applicants should follow the instructions issued by the Commission for attending the hearing.

Q. Should I use the Punjab RTI Portal for Chandigarh Administration or the Punjab and Haryana High Court?
Ans. No. Chandigarh Administration follows a separate RTI mechanism, while the Punjab and Haryana High Court has its own dedicated RTI portal at phhc.gov.in/E_RTI. Use the appropriate portal depending on the authority that holds the information.

Q. Can I obtain Punjab land records without filing an RTI?
Ans. Yes. Many land records, including jamabandi and mutation details, are available through the official Jamabandi Punjab portal. Consider using this service first, and file an RTI only if the required information is not publicly available or you need records that cannot be accessed through the portal.

Q. Should I file an RTI or contact the Punjab CM Helpline?
Ans. If you only want government records or official information, use the RTI process. However, if your objective is to report a complaint, seek action, or request resolution of a public grievance, the Punjab CM Helpline is the more appropriate option.