The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India where citizens can seek information from public authorities under the Right to Information Act, 2005. RTI applications relating to departments of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration can be submitted through the official eDistrict Andaman & Nicobar Portal. If online filing is not suitable for your case, you may also submit the application offline to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).
The prescribed RTI application fee is Rs 10. Eligible applicants holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from paying the application fee. Applications may be submitted in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act and the applicable rules of the Union Territory.
Since the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory without a Legislative Assembly, it does not have a separate State Information Commission. If an applicant is not satisfied after the First Appeal, the Second Appeal or RTI Complaint can be filed before the Central Information Commission (CIC). For a complete overview of the RTI process across India, you can also read our RTI Online India Guide.
Special RTI Considerations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have certain administrative and geographical features that may influence the type of information requested under the Right to Information Act, 2005. While the RTI process remains the same, applicants should ensure that they choose the correct public authority before submitting their application.
- Protected tribal areas: Information relating to notified tribal reserves, protected areas and indigenous communities may be subject to the exemptions available under the RTI Act or other applicable laws where disclosure could affect security, privacy or protected interests.
- Environmental and development projects: Records relating to infrastructure, ports, airports, forests, coastal development and environmental clearances may be available from the concerned department or authority, depending on which organisation maintains the records.
- Defence establishments: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands host several defence organisations. Information affecting national security may be exempt under Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act, while information relating to non-exempt administrative matters may be obtained from the appropriate public authority.
Which Public Authority Should You Choose?
Selecting the correct public authority helps your RTI application reach the appropriate Public Information Officer (PIO) without unnecessary delays.
Use the Andaman and Nicobar Administration RTI service for information relating to:
- Revenue and Land Records
- Police Department
- Public Works Department (PWD)
- Electricity Department
- Health Department and Government Hospitals
- Education Department
- Tourism Department
- Directorate of Shipping Services
- Civil Supplies and Ration Cards
- Agriculture Department
- Forest Department
- Rural Development Department
- Deputy Commissioner Offices and other UT Administration departments
Use the Central RTI Online Portal if the information is held by a Central Government ministry, department or organisation, such as:
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Defence
- Income Tax Department
- Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
- Passport Seva
- UIDAI (Aadhaar)
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
- Indian Coast Guard
- Other Central Government offices functioning in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If you are unsure whether an organisation belongs to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration or the Central Government, verify the public authority before submitting your RTI application. Choosing the correct authority helps avoid delays caused by the transfer of applications under the RTI Act.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands RTI Fee and Payment Methods
The fees for obtaining information under the Right to Information Act, 2005 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are prescribed under the applicable RTI Rules. The standard charges are as follows:
- RTI Application Fee: Rs 10
- Photocopies (A4/A3): Rs 2 per page
- Larger-size documents: Actual cost
- Information on CD/DVD: Rs 50 per disc
- Inspection of records: Free for the first hour, followed by Rs 5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof.
- First Appeal: No fee
- Second Appeal: No fee
BPL Applicants: Applicants holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from paying the RTI application fee. A self-attested copy of the BPL certificate should be attached with the application.
Accepted Offline Payment Methods:
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Demand Draft (DD)
- Money Order (MO), wherever accepted
- Cash against an official receipt at the office of the concerned public authority
Online Payment: RTI applications submitted through the Andaman and Nicobar eDistrict Portal can be paid online using the payment facility available on the portal.
Important: Before submitting an offline RTI application, verify the accepted mode of payment with the concerned public authority, as individual departments may specify the payment method to be followed.
How to Apply for RTI Online in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The easiest way to file an RTI application is through the Andaman and Nicobar eDistrict Portal. The portal allows eligible citizens to submit RTI applications online without visiting a government office.
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Visit the Andaman and Nicobar eDistrict Portal.
Step 2: Register as a new user or sign in using your existing account.
Step 3: Open the RTI service and select the concerned department or public authority.
Step 4: Enter your personal details, including your name, address, mobile number and email address.
Step 5: Clearly describe the information you wish to obtain. Request specific records, documents or certified copies instead of asking for explanations or opinions.
Step 6: Upload supporting documents, if required. Applicants claiming the BPL fee exemption should upload a copy of their valid BPL certificate.
Step 7: Pay the prescribed Rs 10 application fee through the online payment facility available on the portal.
Step 8: Review the information carefully and submit your RTI application.
Step 9: Save the acknowledgement or registration number generated after submission. You can use it to check the status of your RTI application.
How to Apply for RTI Offline in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If you are unable to use the online portal, you may also submit your RTI application offline to the concerned Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) or Public Information Officer (PIO) of the relevant public authority.
Step 1: Prepare your RTI application on plain paper. Mention your name, complete postal address and the information you wish to obtain.
Step 2: Clearly state that the application is being submitted under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Step 3: Attach the prescribed application fee or your BPL certificate, if applicable.
Step 4: Submit the application personally at the office of the concerned public authority and obtain an acknowledgement, or send it by post if personal submission is not convenient.
Step 5: Keep a copy of the application and acknowledgement safely for future reference and any appeal proceedings.
RTI Response Time in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Public authorities are required to respond to RTI applications within the time limits prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
- 30 days: Normal time limit for providing information or issuing a reasoned rejection.
- 48 hours: Where the requested information concerns the life or liberty of a person.
- 35 days: If the application is submitted through an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO), an additional five days may apply.
- Transfer within 5 days: If the application is filed with the wrong public authority, it should be transferred to the appropriate public authority under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act within five days.
- Additional fee: Where further copying or reproduction charges are payable, the applicant will be informed accordingly. The period between the fee intimation and payment is excluded while calculating the response time.
How to File the First Appeal
If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or are dissatisfied with the decision of the CPIO/PIO, you may file a First Appeal before the designated First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority.
- Time limit to file: Within 30 days from receiving the reply or from the expiry of the response period.
- Appeal Fee: No fee.
- Disposal by FAA: Normally within 30 days, extendable up to 45 days with recorded reasons.
If the RTI application was submitted through the Andaman and Nicobar eDistrict Portal, check whether the concerned department provides an online facility for filing the First Appeal. Otherwise, the appeal may be submitted offline to the designated First Appellate Authority.
Attach copies of the RTI application, acknowledgement, reply received (if any) and clearly explain the reasons for filing the appeal.
How to File the Second Appeal
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory without a Legislative Assembly. Therefore, Second Appeals and RTI complaints are heard by the Central Information Commission (CIC).
- Time limit: File the Second Appeal within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority’s order or from the date on which the order should have been issued.
- Appeal Fee: No fee.
You may file the Second Appeal online through the Central Information Commission or submit it in the manner prescribed by the Commission.
Keep the following documents ready while filing the Second Appeal:
- Copy of the original RTI application.
- Proof of submission or acknowledgement.
- Copy of the reply received from the CPIO/PIO, if any.
- Copy of the First Appeal.
- Copy of the First Appellate Authority’s order, if available.
- A brief statement explaining why the Second Appeal is being filed.
Useful Tips for Filing RTI in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Choose the correct public authority: Before submitting your RTI application, confirm whether the information is held by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration or a Central Government department.
- Ask for existing records: Request copies of documents, reports, orders, file notings or other records instead of seeking explanations or opinions.
- Provide complete details: Mention your full name, correspondence address and contact details so the public authority can communicate with you if required.
- Keep the acknowledgement safe: Whether you apply online or offline, preserve the acknowledgement or application number. It will be required for tracking the application and filing an appeal, if necessary.
- Use clear and specific questions: Asking precise questions helps the Public Information Officer identify the requested records more quickly and reduces the possibility of delays.
- Know the exemptions: Certain information relating to national security, protected interests and other matters covered under Section 8 of the RTI Act may not be disclosed.
Quick Reference
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Official RTI Portal | Andaman and Nicobar eDistrict Portal |
| Official Administration Website | andaman.gov.in |
| Central RTI Portal | rtionline.gov.in |
| Second Appeal Authority | Central Information Commission (CIC) |
| RTI Application Fee | Rs 10 |
| Photocopy Charges | Rs 2 per A4/A3 page |
| BPL Applicants | Application fee exempt (valid BPL certificate required) |
| Response Time | 30 days (48 hours for matters concerning life or liberty) |
| First Appeal | Within 30 days (No fee) |
| Second Appeal | Within 90 days before the Central Information Commission |
| Online Payment | Available through the eDistrict Portal |
| Offline Payment | IPO, Demand Draft, Money Order or Cash (where accepted) |
| Applicable Law | Right to Information Act, 2005 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I apply for RTI online in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Ans. Yes. RTI applications for departments of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration can be submitted through the official Andaman and Nicobar eDistrict Portal. Applicants need to register or log in, complete the RTI application form, pay the prescribed fee online and submit the request electronically.
Q. What is the RTI application fee in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Ans. The prescribed RTI application fee is Rs 10. Applicants holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from paying the application fee. Additional charges may apply if copies of records or other documents are requested.
Q. How can I check the status of my RTI application?
Ans. If you submitted your application through the Andaman and Nicobar eDistrict Portal, you can check its status by logging into your account and using the application or acknowledgement number generated at the time of submission.
Q. Is there a State Information Commission in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Ans. No. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory without a Legislative Assembly. Therefore, Second Appeals and RTI complaints are handled by the Central Information Commission (CIC) in accordance with the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Q. Can I submit an RTI application offline?
Ans. Yes. If you are unable to use the online portal, you may submit your RTI application in person or by post to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of the relevant public authority.
Q. Which portal should I use for Central Government departments?
Ans. RTI applications relating to Central Government ministries, departments and organisations should be submitted through the Central RTI Online Portal (rtionline.gov.in). The Andaman and Nicobar eDistrict Portal is primarily meant for departments under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
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.