Arunachal Pradesh RTI: Online Process, Fee & Appeals Guide

Arunachal Pradesh provides an official online platform for filing applications under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Citizens can submit RTI applications and First Appeals through the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Online Portal. If the concerned public authority is not available on the portal, applicants may submit their RTI application offline to the designated Public Information Officer (PIO) in accordance with the Arunachal Pradesh Right to Information Rules.

The application fee is Rs 10. Eligible applicants holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from paying the application fee. RTI applications may be submitted in English or any language permitted under the Right to Information Act, 2005 and the applicable state rules.

The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) provides an online facility for filing Second Appeals and RTI Complaints through its official website at https://apic.arunachal.gov.in. For a complete overview of the RTI process across the country, you can also read our RTI Online India Guide.

Inner Line Permit (ILP) and RTI in Arunachal Pradesh

The Inner Line Permit (ILP) system regulates the entry of non-residents into Arunachal Pradesh under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. However, the ILP requirement does not affect a citizen’s right to seek information under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Any eligible citizen may submit an RTI application to a public authority in Arunachal Pradesh for information held by that authority. Matters relating to the issue of Inner Line Permits, land administration, forest records, revenue matters and other government functions can be requested through the RTI process, subject to the exemptions provided under the RTI Act.

Which RTI Portal Should You Use in Arunachal Pradesh?

Before submitting an RTI application, identify whether the information is held by an Arunachal Pradesh Government public authority or a Central Government public authority. Using the correct RTI portal helps ensure that your application reaches the appropriate Public Information Officer (PIO) without unnecessary delays.

Use the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Online Portal if your application relates to state government departments or public authorities, such as:

• Revenue and Disaster Management Department
• Arunachal Pradesh Police
• Public Works Department (PWD)
• Health and Family Welfare Department
• School Education Department
• Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs
• Department of Rural Development
• Agriculture Department
• Forest Department
• Deputy Commissioner Offices
• Municipal Councils and other Urban Local Bodies
• Other Arunachal Pradesh Government departments available on the RTI portal

Use the Central RTI Online Portal if the information is held by a Central Government ministry, department, organisation or public sector undertaking, including:

• Income Tax Department
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
• Passport Seva
• Aadhaar Card services
• Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
• Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• NHPC and other Central Public Sector Enterprises
• Rajiv Gandhi University
• National Institute of Technology (NIT) Arunachal Pradesh
• Other Central Government offices located in Arunachal Pradesh

If you are unsure whether an organisation belongs to the State Government or the Central Government, verify the public authority before filing your RTI application. Choosing the correct portal helps avoid unnecessary transfers and delays under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Arunachal Pradesh RTI Fee and Payment Methods

The application fee and other charges for obtaining information in Arunachal Pradesh are prescribed under the Arunachal Pradesh Right to Information Rules. The applicable charges are as follows:

• RTI Application Fee: Rs 10
• Photocopies (A4/A3): 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 and Rs 5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof.
• Maps and plans: Actual cost determined by the Public Information Officer (PIO).
• First Appeal: No fee
• Second Appeal: No fee

Fee Payment: For offline RTI applications, the prescribed fee is generally payable to the Accounts Officer of the concerned public authority through an approved payment method.

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 certificate should be attached with the application.

Accepted Offline Payment Methods:

• Indian Postal Order (IPO)
• Demand Draft (DD)
• Cash against an official receipt at the office of the concerned public authority

Online Payment: RTI applications submitted through the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Online Portal can be paid online using the payment facility provided on the portal.

Important: Before submitting an offline RTI application, confirm the accepted mode of payment with the concerned public authority, as departments may specify the payment method to be used.

How to Apply for RTI Online in Arunachal Pradesh

The easiest way to file an RTI application is through the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Online Portal. The portal allows citizens to submit RTI applications, pay the prescribed fee online, and track the status of their requests without visiting a government office.

Follow these simple steps to submit your RTI application online:

Step 1: Visit the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Online Portal.

Step 2: Register your account if you are a new user. Existing users can sign in using their registered credentials.

Step 3: Select the concerned department or public authority from the available list.

Step 4: Fill in your personal details, including your name, address, mobile number and email address.

Step 5: Enter your RTI request clearly. Ask for specific records, documents or certified copies instead of seeking 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 using the online payment facility available on the portal. BPL applicants are exempt from the application fee.

Step 8: Review all the details carefully and submit your application.

Step 9: After successful submission, note down the Registration Number or acknowledgement generated by the portal. You can use it later to check your RTI application status online.

How to Apply for RTI Offline in Arunachal Pradesh

If the concerned public authority is not available on the online portal or you prefer an offline method, you can submit your RTI application directly to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).

Step 1: Download Form A from the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) website, or prepare your application on plain paper in the prescribed format.

Step 2: Mention your name, complete postal address, mobile number (if available), details of the concerned public authority, and the information you wish to obtain.

Step 3: Clearly state that the application is being submitted under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Step 4: Attach the prescribed application fee or your BPL certificate, if applicable.

Step 5: Submit the application personally at the office of the concerned PIO and obtain a signed acknowledgement, or send it by post to the concerned public authority.

Step 6: Keep a copy of the application and acknowledgement safely for future reference, including any appeal proceedings.

RTI Response Time in Arunachal Pradesh

Once your RTI application is received by the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO), the time limits prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005 apply.

• 30 days: Normal time limit for providing information or issuing a written rejection with reasons.
• 48 hours: Where the requested information concerns the life or liberty of a person.
• Transfer within 5 days: If another public authority holds the requested information, the application should be transferred under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act.
• Additional fee: If further charges are payable for supplying records, the PIO will notify the applicant before providing the information.

How to File the First Appeal in Arunachal Pradesh

If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or are dissatisfied with the decision of the Public Information Officer (PIO), you may file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act.

Time Limit: File the First Appeal within 30 days from the date of the PIO’s decision or from the expiry of the response period.

Fee: No fee is payable for filing the First Appeal.

Online First Appeal

If your original RTI application was submitted through the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Online Portal, you can file the First Appeal online.

Step 1: Log in to your account on the RTI portal.

Step 2: Select the relevant RTI application.

Step 3: Choose the option to file a First Appeal.

Step 4: Enter the reasons for filing the appeal and upload supporting documents, if required.

Step 5: Submit the appeal and save the acknowledgement number for future tracking.

Offline First Appeal

If you submitted your RTI application offline, you may also file the First Appeal offline before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority.

Attach copies of the RTI application, the PIO’s reply (if received), and any supporting documents explaining why you are dissatisfied with the decision or why no reply was received.

The First Appellate Authority should normally dispose of the appeal within 30 days. In appropriate cases, this period may be extended up to 45 days after recording the reasons in writing.

How to File the Second Appeal in Arunachal Pradesh

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority or no order is passed within the prescribed period, you may file a Second Appeal before the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC).

Time Limit: 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 time for deciding the appeal.

Fee: No fee is payable for filing a Second Appeal.

Online Second Appeal

The APIC website provides an online e-filing facility for submitting Second Appeals.

Step 1: Visit the APIC website and open the e-Filing section.

Step 2: Register or log in to your account.

Step 3: Select Second Appeal.

Step 4: Enter the required details and upload copies of the RTI application, First Appeal and relevant supporting documents.

Step 5: Submit the appeal and keep the acknowledgement or reference number for future communication.

Offline Second Appeal

If you prefer, you may also submit the Second Appeal offline to the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) along with copies of the RTI application, First Appeal, replies received (if any), and supporting documents.

Applicants should retain copies of all submitted documents and proof of submission for future reference during the appeal process.

RTI for the Gauhati High Court (Itanagar Bench)

The High Court of Arunachal Pradesh functions under the Gauhati High Court. If you need administrative information relating to the High Court, submit your RTI application to the designated Public Information Officer (PIO) of the High Court in accordance with its RTI Rules.

Copies of court judgments, orders and other judicial records are generally obtained through the prescribed certified copy procedure instead of the RTI Act. For official information and services, visit https://ghconline.gov.in.

Useful Tips for Filing RTI in Arunachal Pradesh

• Use the correct RTI portal: File RTI applications and First Appeals through the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Online Portal. Submit Second Appeals and RTI Complaints through the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC).
• Choose the correct public authority: Before filing your RTI application, confirm whether the information is held by a State Government department or a Central Government organisation.
• Ask for existing records: Request copies of documents, files, reports or registers instead of asking questions that require explanations or opinions.
• Keep your acknowledgement safe: Save the online registration number or preserve the acknowledgement received for an offline application, as it may be required during the appeal process.
• Use clear and specific questions: Mention the subject, period and records required to help the Public Information Officer identify the information quickly.
• Apply to the correct department: Revenue, Police, PWD, Health, Education and other State Government departments should be approached through the State RTI system, while Central Government organisations should be approached through the Central RTI portal.

Quick Reference

Particular	Details
State RTI Portal	rti.arunachal.gov.in
RTI Application Fee	Rs 10
Photocopy Charges	Rs 2 per page (A4/A3)
BPL Applicants	Application fee exempt
First Appeal	Online through the State RTI Portal or offline before the First Appellate Authority
Second Appeal	Online or offline before the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC)
RTI Complaint	Can be filed online or offline before APIC
Land Records	land.arunachal.gov.in
State Government Portal	arunachalpradesh.gov.in
High Court Website	ghconline.gov.in
Central RTI Portal	rtionline.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can I file an RTI application online in Arunachal Pradesh?

Ans. Yes. You can file an RTI application online through the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Online Portal. The portal also allows eligible applicants to submit First Appeals and check the status of their RTI applications.

Q. What is the RTI application fee in Arunachal Pradesh?

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.

Q. Can I file a First Appeal online in Arunachal Pradesh?

Ans. Yes. If your RTI application was submitted through the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Online Portal, you can file your First Appeal online through the same portal. Offline First Appeals may also be submitted to the concerned First Appellate Authority.

Q. Can I file a Second Appeal online in Arunachal Pradesh?

Ans. Yes. The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) provides an online e-filing facility for submitting Second Appeals and RTI Complaints. Applicants may also choose to file them offline before the Commission.

Q. Do I have to use Form A for filing an RTI application?

Ans. Form A is the prescribed format under the Arunachal Pradesh RTI Rules. However, an RTI application containing all the required information under the Right to Information Act, 2005 is generally accepted even if it is submitted on plain paper, unless the concerned public authority specifically requires the prescribed format.

Q. Does the Inner Line Permit (ILP) affect RTI rights in Arunachal Pradesh?

Ans. No. The Inner Line Permit regulates entry into Arunachal Pradesh and does not restrict the right of an Indian citizen to seek information under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Q. Which portal should I use for RTIs relating to Central Government organisations?

Ans. RTI applications relating to Central Government ministries, departments, public sector undertakings and other Central public authorities should be filed through the Central RTI Online Portal, while RTIs relating to Arunachal Pradesh Government departments should be submitted through the State RTI portal.