If you need copies of government records, land records, recruitment documents, welfare scheme files or any other information held by a Manipur Government department, you can obtain them under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Before filing an RTI application, first identify whether the information is held by a Manipur State Government department, the High Court of Manipur or a Central Government authority, as each follows a different RTI procedure.
Unlike many other states, Manipur does not currently provide a general online RTI portal for State Government departments. Most RTI applications are therefore submitted offline by post or in person to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO). The fee and filing procedure are governed by the Manipur Right to Information Rules, 2005.
An exception applies to the High Court of Manipur, which operates a separate online RTI portal for information relating to the High Court. Applications concerning State Government departments should not be filed through the High Court RTI portal.
If you are dissatisfied with the response received from a State Government department, you may file a First Appeal before the designated First Appellate Authority. Second, appeals and complaints are dealt with by the Manipur Information Commission (MIC). Before filing an appeal or complaint, check the Commission’s official website for the latest procedure and notices.
RTI applications may be submitted in English or Manipuri (Meitei), depending on the requirements of the concerned public authority. If the information is held by a Central Government ministry, PSU, railway authority, bank or any other central public authority, the application should be filed through the Central RTI Online Portal or with the concerned Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), as applicable.
If your objective is to lodge a public grievance rather than obtain government records, you should use the appropriate grievance redressal mechanism instead of filing an RTI application. For a state-wise overview of RTI rules, fees and filing procedures across India, you can also read our comprehensive RTI Online India Guide.
Which RTI Process Applies in Manipur?
Before preparing your RTI application, identify whether the information is held by a Manipur State Government department, the High Court of Manipur or a Central Government authority. Each category follows a different RTI process, so filing with the correct authority helps avoid unnecessary transfers and delays.
Use the Manipur State RTI Process for:
- Revenue Department – land records, mutation, patta and other revenue matters
- Manipur Police and district police offices
- Public Works Department (PWD)
- Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC)
- State Government schools and the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM)
- Health and Family Welfare Department and JNIMS
- Relief and Disaster Management Department
- Social Welfare Department
- Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department
- Municipal Councils, Panchayats and other local bodies
- Forest Department and other State Government departments
Use the Central RTI Online Portal for:
- Income Tax Department
- Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
- UIDAI
- Passport Office
- Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and other Central Government authorities (subject to the RTI Act)
- Manipur University
- National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur
- National Sports University
- Railway authorities under the Ministry of Railways
Important: RTI requests relating to the High Court of Manipur should be submitted through the High Court’s dedicated RTI portal, while applications concerning Central Government authorities should be filed through the Central RTI Online Portal. State Government departments continue to follow the offline RTI procedure prescribed under the Manipur RTI Rules.
RTI Application Fee in Manipur
The fee for seeking information under the Right to Information Act in Manipur is prescribed under the Manipur Right to Information Rules, 2005. Applicants are generally required to pay an application fee of Rs 10, while additional charges apply for copies of records and certain other services.
| Particular | Fee |
|---|---|
| RTI Application | Rs 10 |
| A4 / A3 Photocopies | Rs 2 per page |
| Larger Size Documents | Actual cost |
| Information on CD | Rs 50 per CD |
| Inspection of Records | Rs 10 for the first hour, then Rs 5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof |
| Maps and Plans | Actual cost as determined by the Public Information Officer |
| First Appeal | No fee |
| Second Appeal | No fee |
The prescribed application fee should be paid to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or in the manner specified by the concerned public authority.
BPL applicants: Citizens holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from paying the RTI application fee. Attach a self-attested copy of the BPL certificate with your application to claim the exemption.
Accepted Offline Payment Modes
Depending on the payment method accepted by the concerned public authority, the RTI application fee may generally be paid through:
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Demand Draft (DD)
- Banker’s Cheque (Pay Order)
- Court Fee Stamp
- Cash against an official receipt (for in-person submissions)
Before sending your RTI application, verify the accepted payment mode and payee details with the concerned department, as administrative instructions may vary between public authorities.
How to File an RTI Application in Manipur
At present, Manipur does not provide a general online RTI portal for State Government departments. Therefore, most RTI applications are submitted offline by post or in person to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO).
If you are applying by post, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Identify the Correct Department
First, determine which Government department holds the information you need. Your RTI application should always be addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of that department.
Step 2: Prepare Your RTI Application
Write your RTI application on plain paper in English or Manipuri (Meitei). Clearly mention the information or copies of records you require. Keep your questions specific so that the Public Information Officer can easily identify the records.
Step 3: Attach the Prescribed Fee
Attach the prescribed Rs 10 application fee using the payment mode accepted by the concerned department. If you belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL certificate instead of paying the application fee.
Step 4: Keep a Copy for Your Records
Before sending the application, keep a photocopy or scanned copy of the complete RTI application, the fee payment proof and any supporting documents. These may be required if you need to file an appeal later.
Step 5: Send the Application
Send the RTI application by Speed Post or another reliable postal service that provides delivery tracking. Preserve the postal receipt until your application is decided.
Step 6: Track the Delivery
Use the Speed Post tracking number to confirm that your application has been delivered to the concerned department. The RTI response period is counted in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act after the application reaches the Public Information Officer.
How to Submit an RTI Application in Person
If you prefer not to send your application by post, you may also submit it directly at the office of the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) during office hours.
Carry your completed RTI application along with the prescribed application fee or your BPL certificate, if applicable. After submitting the application, obtain an acknowledgement or receipt and keep it safely for future reference.
RTI Applications for the High Court of Manipur
The High Court of Manipur has a separate RTI system for information relating to its administrative records. Unlike State Government departments, RTI applications for the High Court can be submitted online through the official High Court RTI portal.
The High Court RTI portal is meant only for information held by the High Court of Manipur. It should not be used for RTI applications relating to State Government departments or Central Government public authorities.
How to File an RTI Application Online
Step 1: Visit the official High Court RTI portal at hcmrtiportal.in.
Step 2: Register as a new user or sign in to your existing account.
Step 3: Select the option to submit a new RTI application and complete the online application form with the required details.
Step 4: Pay the prescribed RTI application fee using one of the payment options available on the portal.
Step 5: Submit the application and save the acknowledgement or reference number for future tracking.
The portal also provides the facility to file a First Appeal relating to RTI applications submitted before the High Court. Before filing, read the latest instructions available on the official portal.
For the latest RTI instructions and online services, visit the official High Court RTI portal or the High Court of Manipur website.
RTI Response Time in Manipur
Once your RTI application is received by the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO), the information should be provided within the time limits prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
| Situation | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Normal RTI application | 30 days from the date of receipt by the PIO |
| Information concerning the life or liberty of a person | Within 48 hours |
| Application transferred under Section 6(3) | The transfer should be made within 5 days under the RTI Act |
If you do not receive any reply within the applicable time limit, or if the information supplied is incomplete or unsatisfactory, you may file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act.
How to File the RTI First Appeal in Manipur
If the Public Information Officer does not provide a reply within the prescribed time or you are not satisfied with the information received, you may file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority.
Time Limit: The appeal should normally be filed within 30 days from the date of receiving the RTI reply or from the date on which the reply was due. No fee is payable for filing the First Appeal.
Step 1: Prepare a written First Appeal explaining why you are dissatisfied with the RTI reply or why no reply was received.
Step 2: Attach copies of your original RTI application, fee payment proof and the reply received from the Public Information Officer, if any.
Step 3: Submit the appeal to the First Appellate Authority of the same department by post or in person.
Step 4: Keep copies of all documents and preserve the postal receipt or acknowledgement for future reference.
The First Appellate Authority is generally required to dispose of the appeal within 30 days. This period may be extended up to 45 days, provided the reasons for the delay are recorded in writing.
How to File an RTI Second Appeal in Manipur
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority (FAA), or no decision is received within the prescribed period, you may file a Second Appeal before the Manipur Information Commission (MIC) under Section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The Second Appeal should ordinarily be filed within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority’s decision or from the expiry of the prescribed period.
Step 1: Prepare a written Second Appeal explaining why you are dissatisfied with the First Appellate Authority’s decision.
Step 2: Attach copies of your original RTI application, the First Appeal, the replies received (if any) and other supporting documents.
Step 3: Submit the appeal by post or in person to the Manipur Information Commission.
Address:
Manipur Information Commission
New Secretariat, Indo-Myanmar Road,
Imphal West, Manipur – 795001
There is no fee for filing a Second Appeal before the Manipur Information Commission.
For the latest appeal procedure, forms and notifications, visit the official website of the Manipur Information Commission.
How to File a Complaint Before the Manipur Information Commission
Apart from the Second Appeal, the Manipur Information Commission (MIC) also accepts complaints under Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
You may file a complaint if the Public Information Officer refuses to accept your RTI application, no Public Information Officer has been appointed, an unreasonable fee is demanded or you are otherwise prevented from exercising your rights under the RTI Act.
Prepare a written complaint, attach the relevant supporting documents and submit it to the Manipur Information Commission. Before filing, check the Commission’s official website for the latest complaint procedure and instructions.
Practical Tips for Filing RTI in Manipur
- Identify the correct public authority first. Before filing an RTI application, confirm which department actually maintains the records you need. This helps avoid unnecessary transfers and delays.
- Ask for existing records. Request certified copies of documents, reports, file notings, orders or other official records instead of asking questions that require explanations or opinions.
- Keep your application specific. Mention the relevant subject, file number, scheme, office, location or time period wherever possible so that the Public Information Officer can identify the records easily.
- Preserve all RTI documents. Keep copies of your RTI application, fee payment proof, postal receipt and any replies received. These documents will be useful if you need to file an appeal.
- Use the correct RTI platform. State Government departments generally follow the offline RTI procedure, while RTI applications for the High Court of Manipur and Central Government authorities should be submitted through their respective official RTI portals.
- Use RTI only for seeking information. If your objective is to lodge a complaint or request action, use the department’s grievance redressal mechanism instead of the RTI process.
Quick Reference
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State RTI Process | Offline application to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) |
| State RTI Portal | The general online portal is not available |
| High Court RTI Portal | https://hcmrtiportal.in |
| Manipur Information Commission | https://maninfocom.nic.in |
| High Court Website | https://manipurhighcourt.nic.in |
| Manipur Government Portal | https://manipur.gov.in |
| Central RTI Portal | https://rtionline.gov.in |
| RTI Application Fee | Rs 10 |
| Photocopy Charges | Rs 2 per A4/A3 page |
| First Appeal Fee | No fee |
| Second Appeal Fee | No fee |
| Accepted Payment Modes | IPO, Demand Draft, Banker’s Cheque, Court Fee Stamp or Cash (where accepted) |
| Languages | English or Manipuri (Meitei) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is there an online RTI portal for the Manipur State Government departments?
Ans. No. At present, Manipur does not have a general online RTI portal for State Government departments. RTI applications are generally submitted offline to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO). However, the High Court of Manipur has a separate online RTI portal for its own administrative records.
Q. Can I file an RTI application in English or Manipuri (Meitei)?
Ans. Yes. You may submit your RTI application in English or Manipuri (Meitei). The application should clearly describe the information or records you are seeking.
Q. How much is the RTI application fee in Manipur?
Ans. The prescribed application fee is Rs 10. Citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are exempt from paying the application fee, provided they attach a valid BPL certificate.
Q. How can I file the First Appeal?
Ans. If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or you are dissatisfied with the information provided, you may file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority. No fee is payable for filing the First Appeal.
Q. Where can I file the Second Appeal?
Ans. A Second Appeal may be filed before the Manipur Information Commission (MIC) within the time prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005. No fee is charged for filing a Second Appeal.
Q. Can I file an RTI application online for the High Court of Manipur?
Ans. Yes. RTI applications relating to the administrative records of the High Court of Manipur can be submitted through the official High Court RTI portal. This portal should not be used for State Government departments or Central Government public authorities.
Q. Should I use the State RTI process or the Central RTI Online Portal?
Ans. Use the State RTI process for information held by Manipur Government departments. For Central Government ministries, departments and other eligible Central public authorities, use the Central RTI Online Portal.
Q. What should I do if the Public Information Officer does not reply within 30 days?
Ans. If no reply is received within the prescribed period, you may treat it as a deemed refusal under the RTI Act and file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority of the concerned public authority.
Q. Can I use RTI to submit a complaint or request action?
Ans. No. The RTI Act is meant for obtaining existing information and official records. If you want to lodge a complaint or seek action from a department, you should use the appropriate grievance redressal mechanism.
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.