Chandigarh RTI Online: Apply, Fee, Appeal & Status Guide

Residents of Chandigarh can seek information from Government departments under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. Since Chandigarh is a Union Territory, online RTI applications relating to Chandigarh Administration departments are submitted through the RTI Online Portal. Citizens may also file RTI applications offline by submitting a written application to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or at any authorised e-Sampark, Jan Sampark or Gram Sampark Centre.

The prescribed application fee for filing an RTI request is Rs. 10. After submitting the application, the applicant receives an acknowledgement, and the request is forwarded to the concerned Public Information Officer for processing in accordance with the RTI Act, 2005.

If an applicant is not satisfied with the response or does not receive information within the prescribed time, the RTI Act provides a mechanism for filing the First Appeal and, where applicable, the Second Appeal before the competent appellate authority.

For detailed information about the online RTI filing process, fees, appeals and status tracking, you can also read our RTI Online India Guide.

Public Authorities Available Under “UT of Chandigarh” on the RTI Online Portal

When filing an online RTI application through rtionline.gov.in, select “UT of Chandigarh” from the list of public authorities. You can then choose the concerned Chandigarh Administration department or organisation from the available list while submitting your application.

Some of the major public authorities available under Chandigarh Administration include:

• Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC) – Property tax, sanitation, building plans, trade licences and other municipal services.
• Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) – Housing schemes, allotments, property management and related services.
• Chandigarh Police – Administrative records and information available under the RTI Act, subject to applicable exemptions.
• General Administration Department (GAD), Chandigarh Administration.
• Estate Office, Chandigarh Administration – Property allotments, lease matters and estate-related records.
• Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) – Public transport services and administrative information.
• Department of Education, Chandigarh Administration.
• Department of Health and Family Welfare, Chandigarh Administration.
• Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh.
• Chandigarh Smart City Limited.
• Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO).
• Other Chandigarh Administration departments and public authorities available on the RTI Online Portal.

If the information you are seeking relates to the Government of Punjab or the Government of Haryana, you should file your RTI application with the respective public authority instead of selecting “UT of Chandigarh” on the RTI Online Portal.

Central Institutions Located in Chandigarh but Not Covered Under “UT of Chandigarh”

Several Central Government organisations and autonomous institutions are located in Chandigarh. However, RTI applications relating to these organisations should not be filed by selecting “UT of Chandigarh” on the RTI Online Portal. Instead, applicants should choose the concerned Ministry, Department or follow the RTI procedure prescribed by the respective institution.

• PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) – RTI applications should be filed with PGIMER through its notified RTI mechanism.
• CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO) – RTI applications should be submitted to the concerned CSIR public authority.
• Punjab and Haryana High Court – Administrative information is available through the High Court’s own RTI mechanism and not under “UT of Chandigarh”.
• Panjab University – RTI applications should be submitted to the University’s designated Public Information Officer.
• Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Chandigarh – File the RTI application with the concerned CGHS public authority.
• Northern Railway – Information relating to Chandigarh Railway Station should be sought from the concerned Railway public authority.
• Income Tax Department – File the RTI application with the appropriate Income Tax public authority.
• Regional Passport Office, Chandigarh – RTI applications should be filed with the Passport Office’s designated public authority.
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Chandigarh – RTI applications should be submitted to the concerned EPFO office.

Before submitting an online RTI application, always verify that you have selected the correct public authority. Filing an application with the wrong authority may delay the supply of information.

Chandigarh RTI Application Fee and Payment Methods

RTI applications submitted to Chandigarh Administration are governed by the Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005. The applicable charges are as follows:

• Application fee: Rs. 10
• Photocopies (A4 or A3): Rs. 2 per page
• Larger-size paper: Actual cost of copying
• Information on CD or other electronic media: Rs. 50 per disc
• Inspection of records: Free for the first hour; Rs. 5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof
• First Appeal: No application fee
• Second Appeal: No application fee

BPL Applicants: Applicants who are below the poverty line (BPL) are exempt from paying the application fee, subject to submission of valid documentary proof as prescribed under the RTI Act and Rules.

Online Payment

When filing an RTI application through the RTI Online Portal, applicants can pay the prescribed application fee using the payment options available on the portal at the time of submission.

Offline Payment

Applicants submitting an offline RTI application may pay the prescribed application fee through the accepted payment mode notified by the concerned public authority. Applications can also be submitted through authorised e-Sampark, Jan Sampark and Gram Sampark Centres, where the prescribed fee is collected and the application is forwarded to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).

How to File an Online RTI Application for Chandigarh Administration

1. Visit the RTI Online Portal.
2. Click “Submit Request” and read the instructions displayed on the portal.
3. Log in using your registered credentials. If you are a new user, complete the registration process by providing the required details and verifying your mobile number and email address.
4. Select “UT of Chandigarh” from the list of Ministries/Departments and then choose the concerned Chandigarh Administration public authority.
5. Enter the applicant’s details and write your RTI request clearly in the application form.
6. Upload supporting documents, if required, in the prescribed format and file size.
7. Pay the prescribed application fee of Rs. 10 through the payment options available on the portal. BPL applicants can claim the prescribed fee exemption by uploading the required proof.
8. Review the application and click “Submit”. After successful submission, a unique Registration Number is generated for future reference.
9. Use the Registration Number to check the application status through the RTI Online Portal whenever required.

How to Submit an Offline RTI Application for Chandigarh Administration

1. Prepare a written RTI application containing your name, contact details and the information you wish to obtain under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
2. Submit the application to the concerned Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of the Chandigarh Administration department holding the requested information. Alternatively, you may submit it at an authorised e-Sampark, Jan Sampark or Gram Sampark Centre, where it will be forwarded to the concerned CPIO.
3. Pay the prescribed application fee of Rs. 10 through the accepted payment mode. Applicants belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category may claim the prescribed fee exemption by submitting valid documentary proof.
4. Obtain the acknowledgement or receipt issued after submitting the application. If the application is submitted through a Sampark Centre, the acknowledgement will include the application number and details of the concerned Public Information Officer.
5. The concerned CPIO will examine the application and provide the requested information or communicate the decision within the time limit prescribed under the RTI Act, 2005.

Chandigarh RTI Response Time

• 30 days: Information is ordinarily provided within 30 days of receiving the RTI application.
• 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).
• 40 days: Where the request involves a third party under the RTI Act.
• 45 days: For information relating to allegations of human rights violations involving organisations covered under Section 24 of the RTI Act.
• Transfer of application: If the requested information is held by another public authority, the application may be transferred to the appropriate public authority under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act.

If no reply is received within the applicable time limit or you are dissatisfied with the decision, you may file a First Appeal under the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.

How to File the First Appeal

If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time limit or are dissatisfied with the decision of the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), you may file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

• Time Limit: Within 30 days from the date of receiving the CPIO’s decision or from the expiry of the prescribed response period.
• Application Fee: No fee is payable for filing a First Appeal.
• Disposal Period: The First Appellate Authority (FAA) should ordinarily dispose of the appeal within 30 days, which may be extended up to 45 days with recorded reasons.

Online First Appeal

If the RTI application was filed through the RTI Online Portal, you can submit the First Appeal online by selecting “Submit First Appeal” and providing the required application details.

Offline First Appeal

You may also submit a written First Appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the concerned public authority along with copies of the RTI application and the reply received, if any.

How to File the Second Appeal

Since Chandigarh is a Union Territory without a State Information Commission, a Second Appeal relating to Chandigarh Administration public authorities lies before the Central Information Commission (CIC) under the RTI Act, 2005.

• Time Limit: Within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority’s decision or from the expiry of the prescribed period for disposal of the First Appeal.
• Application Fee: No fee is payable for filing a Second Appeal.

Online Second Appeal

Applicants can file a Second Appeal online through the Central Information Commission Online Appeal Portal by providing the required details and uploading the relevant supporting documents.

Offline Second Appeal

A Second Appeal may also be submitted to the Central Information Commission (CIC) in the prescribed manner along with copies of the RTI application, First Appeal, replies received (if any) and other supporting documents.

Documents Required for Second Appeal

• Copy of the RTI application.
• Copy of the CPIO’s reply, if received.
• Copy of the First Appeal.
• Copy of the First Appellate Authority’s order, if issued.
• Supporting documents relevant to the appeal.

Helpful Tips for Filing an RTI in Chandigarh

• Select the correct public authority: While filing an online RTI application through the RTI Online Portal, choose “UT of Chandigarh” and then select the concerned Chandigarh Administration department or public authority.
• Choose the appropriate authority: Chandigarh also hosts several Central Government organisations and institutions. Ensure that your RTI application is filed with the correct public authority to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Punjab and Haryana Government offices are separate: Departments of the Governments of Punjab and Haryana located in Chandigarh are not part of the Chandigarh Administration. RTI applications relating to these departments should be submitted through the respective public authorities.
• Keep your Registration Number safely: It is required for tracking the RTI application and for filing an appeal, if necessary.
• Ask for specific information: Clearly describe the records or information you require to help the Public Information Officer process your request efficiently.

Quick Reference

• RTI Online Portal: rtionline.gov.in
• RTI Application Status: View Status
• Central Information Commission: cic.gov.in
• Online Second Appeal: CIC Online Appeal Portal
• Punjab & Haryana High Court RTI: Official RTI Portal
• Chandigarh Administration: chandigarh.gov.in
• Application Fee: Rs. 10
• Photocopy Charges: Rs. 2 per page (A4/A3)
• Languages Accepted: English, Hindi and Punjabi
• Second Appeal: Central Information Commission (CIC)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How can I file an RTI application online for Chandigarh Administration?

Ans. Visit the RTI Online Portal, log in or register, select “UT of Chandigarh” from the list of Ministries/Departments, choose the concerned public authority, complete the application form, pay the prescribed application fee of Rs. 10 (if applicable), and submit the request. A Registration Number is generated after successful submission, which can be used to track the application status and file appeals, if required.

Q. Why does Chandigarh not have a State Information Commission?

Ans. Chandigarh is a Union Territory without a Legislative Assembly. Therefore, it does not have a State Information Commission under the RTI Act, 2005. Second Appeals relating to Chandigarh Administration public authorities are heard by the Central Information Commission (CIC).

Q. Can I file an RTI application for Punjab or Haryana Government departments under “UT of Chandigarh”?

Ans. No. Punjab and Haryana Government departments located in Chandigarh are separate public authorities. RTI applications relating to these departments should be submitted to the respective Government’s public authority and not under “UT of Chandigarh” on the RTI Online Portal.

Q. Is PGIMER Chandigarh covered under Chandigarh Administration for RTI?

Ans. No. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) is an autonomous Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. RTI applications relating to PGIMER should be filed through the RTI procedure prescribed for the institute and not under “UT of Chandigarh”.

Q. Can I submit an RTI application offline in Chandigarh?

Ans. Yes. You can submit a written RTI application to the concerned Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of the relevant Chandigarh Administration department. Applications may also be submitted through authorised e-Sampark, Jan Sampark or Gram Sampark Centres, where they are forwarded to the concerned public authority.

Q. In which languages can I submit an RTI application in Chandigarh?

Ans. RTI applications may be submitted in English, Hindi or Punjabi. Applicants should clearly describe the information or records they wish to obtain to facilitate timely processing of the request.