The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the legal right to obtain information from the Bihar Government departments, local bodies, public authorities, and other organisations covered under the Act. Bihar provides an official online RTI portal at jaankari.bihar.gov.in, allowing citizens to submit RTI applications and First Appeals without visiting a government office.
RTI applications in Bihar are governed by the Bihar Right to Information Rules, 2006. The application fee is Rs. 10. For offline applications, the fee can be paid through an Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft (DD), or cash at the office of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) against a proper receipt.
Bihar also operates a unique RTI facilitation service called Jaankari, available at jaankari.bihar.gov.in. Launched in January 2007, it helps citizens prepare and submit RTI applications through a telephone-based assistance system, making the RTI process easier for people who may not be familiar with online services or formal application writing. The RTI filing number is 155311 (BSNL premium service), while 155310 is available for guidance and general queries at normal call charges.
If you are not satisfied with the reply to your RTI application, or if no reply is received within the prescribed time, you can file a First Appeal with the concerned department. A Second Appeal or complaint can then be submitted to the Bihar Information Commission (BIC) through its official website at sic.bih.gov.in. Since appeals before the Commission may take considerable time, it is advisable to prepare a detailed First Appeal and pursue it properly before approaching the Commission.
For RTI matters relating to Central Government departments such as Railways, Passport Office, EPFO, Income Tax or UIDAI, use the Central RTI Portal instead of the Bihar State RTI Portal. You can also read our detailed RTI Online India Guide to understand the complete RTI process across India.
Should You File RTI on the Bihar Portal or the Central RTI Portal?
Before submitting your RTI application, make sure you choose the correct portal. Bihar Government departments and Central Government departments use different RTI systems. Filing your application on the wrong portal may delay the process or require you to submit a fresh application.
Use the Bihar RTI Portal (jaankari.bihar.gov.in)
Submit your RTI application on the Bihar State RTI Portal if the information relates to a Bihar Government department, local authority or state public undertaking. Common examples include:
- Revenue and Land Records: Jamabandi, mutation (Dakhil Kharij), survey records, land maps and other Revenue Department records.
- Bihar Police: Information relating to police stations, district police offices, FIR status, investigation records (where disclosure is permitted under the RTI Act) and administrative matters.
- Electricity: Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL), North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL).
- Water Supply: Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).
- Education: Government schools, teacher recruitment, transfers, scholarships and other Education Department records.
- Social Welfare: State pension schemes, welfare programmes and benefits administered by the Bihar Government.
- Rural Development: MGNREGS records maintained by Bihar authorities, Panchayats and Block offices.
- Urban Local Bodies: Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and other Urban Local Bodies in Bihar.
- Health: Government hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), medicines and Health Department records.
- Other State Authorities: State Government departments, boards, corporations, commissions, universities and public authorities established by the Government of Bihar.
Use the Central RTI Portal (rtionline.gov.in)
Submit your RTI application through the Central RTI Portal if the information relates to a Central Government ministry, department, PSU or organisation. Common examples include:
- Indian Railways (including East Central Railway).
- Income Tax Department.
- Passport Office.
- Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
- Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
- AIIMS Patna.
- IIT Patna and other Central Educational Institutions.
Tip: If you are unsure whether the information is held by a Bihar Government department or a Central Government organisation, check the department’s official website before filing your RTI application. Choosing the correct public authority helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Before filing online, verify that your target department is listed in the portal’s dropdown of Public Authorities. If the department is not listed, file by post or through the Jaankari facilitation centre instead. The portal does work reliably for state-level directorates that are registered on it.
Bihar RTI Fee and Payment Details
The application fee and other charges for seeking information under the Right to Information Act in Bihar are prescribed under the Bihar Right to Information Rules, 2006.
| Particular | Fee |
|---|---|
| RTI Application Fee | Rs. 10 |
| Photocopy of Information (A4/A3) | Rs. 2 per page |
| Information on CD/DVD | Rs. 50 per disc |
| Inspection of Records | Free for the first hour, then Rs. 5 for every additional 15 minutes |
| First Appeal | No Fee |
| Second Appeal | No Fee |
BPL Applicants: Citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are exempt from paying the RTI application fee under Section 7(5) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL certificate or card with your application to claim the exemption.
Offline Payment Modes
For offline RTI applications, you can pay the prescribed application fee using any of the following methods:
- Indian Postal Order (IPO): Drawn in favour of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO), wherever applicable.
- Demand Draft (DD): Payable to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO), wherever applicable.
- Cash: Paid directly at the office of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) against an official receipt.
Availability of Departments on the Bihar RTI Portal
The Bihar RTI Portal allows citizens to submit RTI applications online to many State Government departments and public authorities. However, some public authorities may not yet be available on the portal.
If you cannot find the concerned department while filing your application online, submit your RTI application directly to the designated State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of that department through the offline process prescribed under the RTI Act and the Bihar RTI Rules.
Tip: Before filing your application, check whether the concerned department is available on the Bihar RTI Portal. Using the correct filing method helps avoid unnecessary delays in processing your RTI request.
How to File an RTI Application Online in Bihar
Bihar Government provides the Jaankari Portal at jaankari.bihar.gov.in for filing RTI applications online. Through the same portal, citizens can also file a First Appeal, Second Appeal and track the status of their requests.
Step 1: Visit jaankari.bihar.gov.in and select the appropriate option for filing a new RTI application.
Step 2: Select the concerned department or public authority and enter your personal details such as your name, address, mobile number and email ID.
Step 3: Clearly describe the information you want. Ask for specific records, documents or certified copies instead of opinions or explanations. If required, upload supporting documents.
Step 4: Pay the prescribed RTI application fee online. BPL applicants can claim a fee exemption by uploading the required proof.
Step 5: Review all the details carefully and submit the application. A unique registration/reference number is generated. Save it carefully as it will be required for tracking your application and filing appeals.
Step 6: Use the same Jaankari Portal to check your application status, file a First Appeal if you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time, or submit a Second Appeal before the Bihar Information Commission, wherever applicable.
Jaankari Portal: Bihar’s RTI Platform
Jaankari is Bihar’s dedicated RTI portal developed to make the RTI process simple and accessible for citizens. Besides online filing, the portal also supports tracking applications, filing First Appeals and Second Appeals.
Citizens can also seek assistance through the Jaankari helpline:
- 155311: RTI Application Line (BSNL premium service).
- 155310: RTI Enquiry and Guidance Line (normal call charges).
If you are filing an RTI for the first time or are unsure about the correct department or procedure, you can call 155310 for guidance before submitting your application.
How to File an RTI Application by Post
If you prefer the offline method, you can send your RTI application by post to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO).
Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain A4 paper. Address it to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the department or public authority from which you want information.
Step 2: Mention your name, complete postal address, mobile number (if available), and clearly describe the information you want under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Step 3: Ask for specific records, documents or certified copies. Keep your application clear and concise, and avoid seeking explanations, opinions or hypothetical information.
Step 4: Sign the application and mention the date and place.
Step 5: Attach the prescribed Rs. 10 application fee through an Indian Postal Order (IPO) or Demand Draft (DD), wherever applicable. BPL applicants should attach a self-attested copy of their valid BPL certificate instead of paying the fee.
Step 6: Send the application by Speed Post or submit it directly at the office of the concerned SPIO. Keep a copy of your application and the postal receipt or acknowledgement safely for future reference.
How to Submit an RTI Application in Person
Step 1: Visit the office of the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) or Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) during office hours.
Step 2: Submit your completed RTI application along with the prescribed application fee or BPL proof, if applicable.
Step 3: If you pay the fee in cash, collect an official receipt. Also, ask for a dated acknowledgement on your copy of the application as proof of submission.
Step 4: If you submit the application to an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO), it will be forwarded to the concerned SPIO as per the RTI Act. Keep the acknowledgement safe until your application is disposed of.
Response Timeline in Bihar
- 30 days: The SPIO must provide information or reject with written reasons within 30 days of receipt.
- 48 hours: For information relating to life or physical safety, the SPIO must reply within 48 hours.
- 5-day transfer: Under Section 6(3), if the information lies with a different department, the SPIO transfers the application within 5 days. The 30-day clock then starts from the new SPIO’s receipt.
- Additional fee: If providing copies requires an additional fee, the SPIO will inform you. Pay within the prescribed time. The period of waiting for your additional fee payment is excluded from the 30-day timeline.
How to File the First Appeal Under Section 19(1)
If you do not receive a reply to your RTI application within the prescribed time, or you are dissatisfied with the information provided, you can file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can file? | Any applicant who receives no reply or an incomplete or unsatisfactory reply from the SPIO. |
| Time limit to file | Within 30 days from the date the reply was due or from the date of receiving the reply. |
| Application Fee | No fee. |
| Disposal by FAA | Normally, within 30 days, extendable up to 45 days with recorded reasons. |
Online: If your RTI application was submitted online, you can file the First Appeal through the official Bihar RTI portal using your original Registration Number.
Offline: Submit a written appeal to the First Appellate Authority of the same department. Attach copies of your RTI application, the reply received (if any), and briefly explain the grounds for your appeal.
How to File a Second Appeal Before the Bihar Information Commission
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority (FAA), or no order is passed within the prescribed time, you can file a Second Appeal before the Bihar Information Commission (BIC) under Section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Limit | Within 90 days from the date of the FAA’s order or from the expiry of the prescribed time. |
| Delay Condonation | The Bihar Information Commission may accept a delayed appeal if sufficient cause for the delay is explained. |
| Application Fee | No fee. |
| Mode of Filing | Online through the Jaankari Portal or offline by submitting the appeal to the Bihar Information Commission. |
How to File the Second Appeal Online
Visit jaankari.bihar.gov.in, choose the Second Appeal option, enter the required details, upload the necessary documents, and submit your appeal. Save the acknowledgement or reference number generated after successful submission for future tracking.
Documents Required
- Copy of the original RTI application.
- Proof of submission of the RTI application.
- Copy of the SPIO’s reply, if received.
- Copy of the First Appeal.
- Proof of submission of the First Appeal.
- Copy of the FAA’s order, if available.
- A brief statement explaining the grounds for filing the Second Appeal.
Offline Submission
If you prefer the offline mode, send your appeal to:
The Secretary
Bihar Information Commission
4th Floor, Soochna Bhawan
Bailey Road, Patna – 800015
Official Website: sic.bih.nic.in
Tip: Keep copies of your RTI application, both appeals, supporting documents and acknowledgements until the Bihar Information Commission disposes of your case.
Useful Tips Before Filing an RTI in Bihar
- Choose the correct public authority: Before filing your RTI, identify which department actually holds the information. Filing with the wrong department can delay your application.
- Use simple and specific language: Ask for records, certified copies, reports or documents. Avoid asking questions that seek opinions, explanations or future actions.
- Write in Hindi or English: The Bihar RTI system accepts applications in both languages. Hindi may be more convenient when seeking information from district, block or panchayat-level offices.
- Check information already available online: Many government records, including land records, are available on official portals. For example, you can verify land records through biharbhumi.bihar.gov.in before filing an RTI.
- Keep your acknowledgement safely: Preserve your registration number, postal receipt or acknowledgement until your RTI matter is completely resolved.
- File the First Appeal on time: If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed period or are dissatisfied with the response, file your First Appeal within the time allowed under the RTI Act before approaching the Bihar Information Commission.
Quick Reference
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Jaankari RTI Portal | jaankari.bihar.gov.in |
| Submit RTI Request | Apply Online |
| Submit First Appeal | File First Appeal |
| Track RTI Status | View Status |
| Jaankari RTI Application Line | 155311 (BSNL Premium Service) |
| Jaankari Enquiry Line | 155310 |
| Bihar Information Commission | sic.bih.nic.in |
| BIC Phone | 0612-2204815 |
| BIC Address | 4th Floor, Soochna Bhawan, Bailey Road, Patna – 800015 |
| Bihar Government Portal | state.bihar.gov.in |
| Central RTI Portal | rtionline.gov.in |
| Application Fee | Rs. 10 |
| Photocopy Charges | Rs. 2 per page (A4/A3) |
| Offline Payment Modes | IPO, Demand Draft or Cash |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are the Bihar Right to Information Rules?
Ans. RTI applications in Bihar are governed by the Bihar Right to Information Rules, 2006. These rules prescribe the application fee, payment methods, charges for providing copies of records, inspection fees, and other procedural requirements for seeking information from the Bihar Government public authorities.
Q. What is the Jaankari Portal?
Ans. The Jaankari Portal (jaankari.bihar.gov.in) is Bihar’s official RTI portal. It allows citizens to file RTI applications, submit First Appeals and Second Appeals, track application status, and obtain guidance related to the RTI process. Citizens can also seek assistance through the Jaankari helpline.
Q. Can I file my RTI application in Hindi?
Ans. Yes. RTI applications can be submitted in both Hindi and English. Hindi is commonly used for applications addressed to district, block and panchayat-level offices, while English is also accepted by all public authorities.
Q. What should I do if I do not receive a reply to my RTI application?
Ans. If the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) does not provide a reply within the prescribed time, or you are dissatisfied with the information supplied, you can file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority. If you are still not satisfied with the outcome, you may file a Second Appeal before the Bihar Information Commission.
Q. How can I identify the correct Public Information Officer (PIO)?
Ans. Before filing your RTI application, identify the department that holds the information. You can obtain details of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or State Public Information Officer (SPIO) from the department’s official website or by contacting the concerned office.
Q. Is there any fee for filing an appeal?
Ans. No. There is no fee for filing either the First Appeal or the Second Appeal under the Bihar RTI Rules.
Q. What documents should I keep while filing a Second Appeal?
Ans. Keep copies of your original RTI application, proof of submission, the reply received from the SPIO (if any), the First Appeal, proof of filing the First Appeal, and the order of the First Appellate Authority, if available. These documents are generally required while filing a Second Appeal before the Bihar Information Commission.
Q. Can I track my RTI application online?
Ans. Yes. Applications and appeals submitted through the Jaankari Portal can be tracked online using the acknowledgement or registration number generated after successful submission.
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.