Jharkhand RTI Online: File Online, Fee & Appeal Guide

If you need records or official information from a Jharkhand Government department, you can exercise your rights under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Whether you want land records, recruitment information, welfare scheme details, departmental files, or copies of government orders, an RTI application allows you to request information from the concerned public authority in a legally recognised manner.

Jharkhand has its own online RTI portal at rti.jharkhand.gov.in, managed by the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Rajbhasha (PAR). Citizens can use this portal to submit RTI applications to participating state departments. If the department you are looking for is not available online, you can still send your application directly to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) by post or submit it in person.

Unlike many other states, Jharkhand follows a distinctive fee payment system under the Jharkhand Right to Information Rules, 2005. The prescribed application fee is Rs 10, which is generally paid by affixing a Rs 10 Court Fee Stamp or a Rs 10 Non-Judicial Stamp Paper to the RTI application. Applications may be submitted in Hindi or English.

If you are dissatisfied with the response received from the Public Information Officer or your First Appeal is not decided within the prescribed time, matters relating to Second Appeals and complaints fall under the jurisdiction of the Jharkhand State Information Commission (JSIC). Before approaching the Commission, check the latest announcements on the official JSIC portal at onlinejsic.jharkhand.gov.in, as the Commission’s functioning may change depending on administrative developments.

If you need guidance on the RTI process applicable across the country, including Central Government departments and other states, you can also refer to our comprehensive RTI Online India Guide.

Which Authorities Are Covered Under the Jharkhand RTI Portal?

The Jharkhand RTI Portal is meant for departments, commissions, local bodies, boards, corporations, and other public authorities functioning under the Government of Jharkhand. If the information you need relates to a state government office, you should normally use this portal or submit your application to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).

Examples of authorities covered under the Jharkhand RTI Portal include:

• Revenue Department – Jharbhoomi land records, mutation (Dakhil Kharij), registry and revenue administration
• Jharkhand Police – FIR-related records, departmental enquiries and administrative information
• Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) and Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (JUVNL)
• Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats across the state
• Greater Ranchi Development Authority (GRDA) and Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA)
• Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC)
• Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) and School Education Department
• Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishads
• Social Security, Health & Family Welfare, Water Resources and Tribal Welfare Departments
• Jharkhand State Open School (JSOS) and other state-controlled institutions
• Jharkhand Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)

What if the information belongs to the Central Government?

If the records are maintained by a Central Government ministry, department, public sector undertaking, statutory authority, or a Central educational institution located in Jharkhand, your RTI application should be submitted through the Central RTI Online Portal or to the concerned Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), as applicable.

This generally includes organisations such as the Income Tax Department, Passport Office, EPFO, Railway authorities, Coal India subsidiaries, SAIL, UIDAI, and Central educational institutions like IIM Ranchi and NIT Jamshedpur.

Jharkhand High Court: Administrative records of the Jharkhand High Court are governed by its own RTI mechanism. Such applications should be filed under the procedure prescribed by the High Court rather than through the Jharkhand RTI Portal.

Jharkhand RTI Application Fee and Accepted Payment Methods

Before submitting your RTI application, make sure you pay the prescribed fee in the manner permitted under the Jharkhand Right to Information Rules, 2005. While online applications follow the payment options available on the state RTI portal, postal applications commonly use a Rs 10 Court Fee Stamp, which is a distinctive feature of Jharkhand’s RTI system.

Particular	Charges
RTI Application Fee	Rs 10
First Appeal	No Fee
Second Appeal before JSIC	No Fee
Photocopies (A4/A3)	Rs 2 per page
Large-size Documents	Actual cost
Information on CD/Floppy	Rs 50 per disc
Inspection of Records	First hour free, then Rs 5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof

Who should receive the RTI fee?
The prescribed fee should be paid to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or any other officer authorised by the Government of Jharkhand to collect RTI fees.

Fee exemption for BPL applicants:
Applicants holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) or Antyodaya ration card are exempt from paying the application fee. Attach a self-attested copy of the relevant card while submitting the RTI application.

Accepted Offline Payment Methods

• Rs 10 Court Fee Stamp affixed to the RTI application (the most commonly used method in Jharkhand)
• Rs 10 Non-Judicial Stamp Paper, wherever accepted under the Rules
• Demand Draft (DD)
• Banker’s Cheque
• Indian Postal Order (IPO)
• Money Order (MO)
• Cash payment against an official receipt when the application is submitted in person

Important: If you choose to pay through a Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque or Indian Postal Order, confirm the correct payee name with the concerned department before making the payment. Different departments may have different banking arrangements, and using an incorrect payee name can delay the processing of your RTI application.

How to Submit an RTI Application Online in Jharkhand

The Jharkhand RTI Portal allows citizens to submit RTI applications to participating state departments without visiting government offices. Before you begin, keep your mobile number and email address ready for registration and make sure you know which department holds the information you need.

Step 1: Visit the official RTI Portal

Open rti.jharkhand.gov.in. You can switch between English and Hindi using the language option available on the website.

Step 2: Start a new RTI request

Click “Submit Request”. Read the instructions displayed on the portal and continue to the online application form after confirming that your request relates to a Jharkhand Government public authority.

Step 3: Register or sign in

New users must create an account by providing basic details such as their name, mobile number, and email address, followed by OTP verification. Existing users can simply log in using their registered credentials.

Step 4: Select the correct public authority

Choose the department or organisation that maintains the records you want to access. If the required department is not listed on the portal, submit your RTI application directly to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) through the offline process.

Step 5: Draft your RTI application

Write your request in Hindi or English. Instead of asking for opinions, explanations, or hypothetical answers, seek specific records such as certified copies, file notings, government orders, inspection reports, correspondence, registers, or other existing documents. A clear and precise application generally receives a faster and more useful response.

Step 6: Upload supporting documents (if required)

If your application requires any supporting documents, attach them in the prescribed format before proceeding to the next step.

Step 7: Pay the prescribed fee

Applicants who are not eligible for the BPL exemption should pay the Rs 10 application fee through the online payment gateway available on the portal.

Step 8: Submit the application

Review all the information carefully and submit your request. After successful submission, the portal generates a unique Registration Number, which is also sent to your registered mobile number and email address.

Step 9: Track your application

Log in to your account whenever required to monitor the status of your RTI application, download the acknowledgement, or view replies received from the concerned department.

How to File the First Appeal in Jharkhand

If the Public Information Officer does not provide the requested information within the prescribed time limit, or if you are dissatisfied with the reply, you can submit a First Appeal through the Jharkhand RTI Portal.

Step 1: Sign in to your account on rti.jharkhand.gov.in.

Step 2: Select the “Submit First Appeal” option and enter your original RTI Registration Number.

Step 3: Clearly mention the reason for filing the appeal, such as non-receipt of information within the prescribed period or an incomplete or unsatisfactory response.

Step 4: Submit the appeal. No fee is payable for filing a First Appeal in Jharkhand. After submission, keep the generated appeal reference number safe for future tracking.

How to File an RTI Application by Post in Jharkhand

If you prefer the offline method or the concerned department is not available on the Jharkhand RTI Portal, you can send your RTI application by post to the appropriate Public Information Officer (PIO).

Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain paper in Hindi or English. Clearly mention your name, complete postal address, contact details, and describe the information you want to obtain.

Step 2: Address the application to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the department or public authority that holds the requested records.

Step 3: Attach the prescribed Rs 10 application fee through a Court Fee Stamp, Non-Judicial Stamp Paper, or any other payment method permitted under the Jharkhand RTI Rules. Applicants claiming the BPL exemption should attach a self-attested copy of their valid BPL or Antyodaya ration card instead of paying the fee.

Step 4: Keep a copy of your RTI application and the fee payment proof for your records before dispatching it.

Step 5: Send the application through Speed Post or Registered Post. Preserve the postal receipt carefully, as it serves as proof that your application was sent to the concerned department.

How to Submit an RTI Application in Person

You may also submit your RTI application directly to the office of the concerned SPIO or State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO) during office hours.

Step 1: Carry your completed RTI application along with the prescribed fee or valid BPL/Antyodaya 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: Obtain an acknowledgement or receipt showing the date of submission and keep it safely until your RTI request is disposed of.

Time Limit for Receiving Information in Jharkhand

The Right to Information Act, 2005, prescribes specific time limits within which a Public Information Officer (PIO) must respond to an RTI application. These timelines also apply to public authorities in Jharkhand.

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

When Can You File an Appeal?

If you do not receive a reply from the Public Information Officer (PIO) within the time prescribed under the RTI Act, or if you are dissatisfied with the information provided, you have the right to challenge the decision through the appeal mechanism available under the Act.

First Appeal: A First Appeal should be filed before the designated First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department. In Jharkhand, it can be submitted through the Jharkhand RTI Portal using your original RTI Registration Number or by following the offline procedure prescribed by the concerned public authority. No fee is payable for filing a First Appeal.

Second Appeal: If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, or if no decision is received within the prescribed period, you may file a Second Appeal before the Jharkhand State Information Commission (JSIC) under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act. The appeal should ordinarily be filed within 90 days from the date of the FAA’s decision or from the date on which the decision should have been made.

The JSIC also provides an online facility for filing Second Appeals through its official portal. Before submitting your appeal, check the latest notices on the Commission’s website, as the availability of hearings and online services may change from time to time.

When Can You File a Complaint Under Section 18?

A Complaint under Section 18 of the Right to Information Act is different from a Second Appeal. You can approach the Jharkhand State Information Commission (JSIC) directly in certain situations where your RTI application could not be processed properly, or your statutory rights under the RTI Act were denied.

You may file a complaint before the JSIC if:

• The concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) refuses to accept your RTI application.
• No Public Information Officer has been appointed by the public authority, making it impossible to submit your application.
• You are unable to submit an RTI application because of unreasonable procedural barriers.
• You have been asked to pay an incorrect or excessive fee that is not permitted under the RTI Act or the Jharkhand RTI Rules.
• You believe that access to information has been unfairly denied or that your rights under the RTI Act have otherwise been violated.

Complaints under Section 18 are examined by the Jharkhand State Information Commission. Before submitting a complaint, check the latest notices on the Commission’s official website, as hearing schedules and procedures may change from time to time.

Important Update About the Jharkhand State Information Commission (JSIC)

The Jharkhand State Information Commission (JSIC) is the statutory body responsible for deciding Second Appeals and complaints relating to Jharkhand Government public authorities under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Latest official update: According to the notice published on the official JSIC website, appeal proceedings, complaint proceedings and video conferencing hearings are presently suspended until further orders due to vacancies in the posts of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners.

If you intend to file a Second Appeal or complaint, check the latest notice on the official JSIC website before proceeding, as the Commission may resume normal functioning after new appointments are made.

Jharkhand State Information Commission Contact Details

• Official Website: onlinejsic.jharkhand.gov.in
• Office Address: Engineers Hostel No. 2, HEC Campus, Near Golchakkar, Dhurwa, Ranchi – 834004
• Established: 24 July 2006 (Notification No. 3825)
• RTI Public Information Officer: Shri Amresh Kumar, Section Officer

Useful Tips Before Filing an RTI in Jharkhand

• Choose the correct RTI portal: Use the Jharkhand RTI Portal for state government departments and the Central RTI Online Portal for Central Government ministries, departments and public sector undertakings.
• Ask for records, not explanations: Request existing documents, certified copies, file notings, reports or orders instead of seeking opinions or asking “why” a decision was taken.
• Keep your acknowledgement safely: Preserve your Registration Number, postal receipt or acknowledgement until your RTI application is finally disposed of.
• Use the correct fee: Jharkhand follows a Rs 10 application fee and accepts the payment methods prescribed under the Jharkhand RTI Rules.
• Check the latest JSIC updates: Before filing a Second Appeal or complaint, visit the official JSIC website to verify the current status of hearings and other proceedings.
• Use Hindi where appropriate: You may submit your RTI application in either Hindi or English. For many district-level offices in Jharkhand, Hindi is commonly used for official correspondence.

Quick Reference

Particular	Details
Official RTI Portal	rti.jharkhand.gov.in
State Information Commission	onlinejsic.jharkhand.gov.in
Central RTI Portal	rtionline.gov.in
Application Fee	Rs 10
Photocopy Charges	Rs 2 per page (A4/A3)
Accepted Offline Payment Modes	Court Fee Stamp, Non-Judicial Stamp Paper, DD, Banker’s Cheque, IPO, Money Order and Cash (where permitted)
Response Time	30 days (48 hours for life or liberty cases)
First Appeal Fee	No Fee
Second Appeal	Before the Jharkhand State Information Commission (JSIC)
Languages Accepted	Hindi and English
Land Records Portal	Jharbhoomi
JSIC Office	Engineers Hostel No. 2, HEC Campus, Near Golchakkar, Dhurwa, Ranchi – 834004

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I file an RTI application online in Jharkhand?
Ans: Yes. You can submit RTI applications online through the official Jharkhand RTI Portal for participating state government departments and public authorities.

Q. What is the RTI application fee in Jharkhand?
Ans: The application fee is Rs 10. Applicants holding a valid BPL or Antyodaya ration card are exempt from paying the application fee.

Q. Can I submit an RTI application in Hindi?
Ans: Yes. RTI applications may be filed in either Hindi or English. Both languages are accepted by the Jharkhand RTI Portal and state public authorities.

Q. Can I file a First Appeal online?
Ans: Yes. A First Appeal can be filed through the Jharkhand RTI Portal using your original RTI Registration Number. No appeal fee is payable.

Q. Can I file a Second Appeal online?
Ans: Yes. The Jharkhand State Information Commission (JSIC) provides an online facility for filing Second Appeals. Before submitting your appeal, check the latest notices on the Commission’s official website for any updates regarding hearings or online services.

Q. Should I use the Jharkhand RTI Portal or the Central RTI Portal?
Ans: Use the Jharkhand RTI Portal for Jharkhand Government departments and public authorities. For Central Government ministries, departments, public sector undertakings and other central public authorities, use the Central RTI Online Portal.

Q. What is Jharbhoomi, and should I check it before filing an RTI?
Ans: Jharbhoomi is Jharkhand’s official land records portal. Before filing an RTI relating to land records, check whether the required information is already available online. If the information is unavailable or you need additional official records, you may file an RTI application.

Q. Should I file an RTI or use the Jharkhand CM Jan Samvad Portal?
Ans: If you need copies of government records, documents, file notings, orders or other official information, you should file an RTI application. However, if you want to report a public grievance, request government action or lodge a complaint against a department, use the Jharkhand CM Jan Samvad Portal.