If you need records, documents, government orders, land-related information, recruitment details, welfare scheme files, or any other information held by a Madhya Pradesh Government department, you can request it under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Before filing an RTI application, it is important to identify whether the information is held by a state government department, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, or a Central Government authority, as each follows a different RTI procedure.
In Madhya Pradesh, the RTI fee and application procedure are governed by the Madhya Pradesh Right to Information Rules, 2005, framed under the RTI Act. The prescribed application fee is Rs 10, which can generally be paid through cash against an official receipt, an Indian Postal Order (IPO), a Demand Draft (DD), or a Court Fee Stamp, depending on the payment method accepted by the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or the authorised government officer.
Most Madhya Pradesh Government departments accept RTI applications directly through their designated State Public Information Officer (SPIO). However, the Madhya Pradesh High Court follows a separate RTI system under the High Court of Madhya Pradesh (Right to Information) Rules, 2006. Applications relating to High Court records can be submitted through its dedicated online RTI portal, where each application must relate to only one item of information.
Second appeals and complaints are handled by the Madhya Pradesh Information Commission (MPIC), headquartered in Bhopal. Before filing an appeal or complaint, it is advisable to check the Commission’s official website for the latest notices, filing procedure and hearing updates.
Applications may be submitted in either Hindi or English. However, Hindi is widely used for official correspondence across government offices in Madhya Pradesh, particularly at the district, tehsil and local levels. If the information you require is held by a Central Government ministry, PSU, railway authority, bank or any other central public authority, your RTI 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 official records, you should use the Madhya Pradesh CM Helpline Portal. For a state-wise overview of RTI rules, fees and official filing portals across India, you can also refer to our comprehensive RTI Online India Guide.
Which RTI Portal Should You Use in Madhya Pradesh?
Before submitting an RTI application, identify which government controls the organisation from which you want information. Many public authorities are located in Madhya Pradesh but are administered by the Central Government, while others function under the State Government. Filing your application with the wrong authority can delay the process.
Use the Madhya Pradesh RTI process for authorities functioning under the State Government, such as:
- Revenue Department – land records, mutation, khasra, khatauni and other revenue records
- Madhya Pradesh Police and district police offices
- Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC)
- Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB)
- Public Works Department (PWD) and Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC)
- Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Parishads across the state
- Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board (MPHIDB)
- Madhya Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MP RERA)
- Gram Panchayats, Janpad Panchayats and Zila Panchayats
- School Education Department and Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE)
- State Health Department, district hospitals and community health centres
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department
Use the Central RTI Online Portal for Central Government authorities located in Madhya Pradesh, including:
- West Central Railway and other Railway authorities
- Income Tax Department
- Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
- IIT Indore
- Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal
- AIIMS Bhopal
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Bhopal
- Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and GST Commissionerates
Remember: The location of an office does not determine the RTI authority. If an organisation is established, owned or controlled by the Central Government, file your RTI through the Central RTI Online Portal. If it functions under the Government of Madhya Pradesh, follow the State RTI procedure.
RTI Application Fee in Madhya Pradesh
The fee payable for seeking information under the Right to Information Act in Madhya Pradesh is prescribed under the Madhya Pradesh Right to Information Rules, 2005. In most cases, applicants are required to pay an application fee of Rs 10. Additional charges apply only when copies of records or inspection of documents are requested.
| Particular | Fee |
|---|---|
| RTI application | Rs 10 |
| A4/A3 photocopies | Rs 2 per page |
| Inspection of records | Free for the first hour; Rs 5 for every additional 15 minutes |
| First Appeal | No fee |
| Second Appeal | No fee |
The application fee should be paid to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or to the officer authorised by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to receive RTI fees on behalf of the public authority.
Applicants belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are exempt from paying the RTI application fee, provided a self-attested copy of a valid BPL certificate is enclosed with the application.
Accepted Offline Payment Methods
For RTI applications submitted by post or in person, the application fee may generally be paid through any of the following modes accepted by the concerned public authority:
- Cash against an official receipt (only for in-person submission)
- Indian Postal Order (IPO)
- Demand Draft (DD)
- Court Fee Stamp of Rs 10 affixed to the application, where accepted under the State RTI Rules
Before sending an RTI application by post, verify the correct payee name and the accepted payment method with the concerned department, as administrative instructions may vary between public authorities.
How to Apply for RTI Online in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh provides an online facility for filing RTI applications. When you click “Apply Online” on the official RTI portal (rti.mp.gov.in), you are automatically redirected to the MP eService Portal (services.mp.gov.in/eservice), where the RTI application is submitted.
Follow these steps to file your RTI application online:
Step 1: Open the RTI Portal
Visit rti.mp.gov.in and click the “Apply Online” button. You will be redirected to the official MP eService Portal.
Step 2: Sign in to MP eService
Log in using your registered account. If you are a new user, complete the registration process first and then sign in.
Step 3: Choose the RTI Service
Open the RTI service available on the portal and select the concerned government department or public authority from which you want information.
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
Enter your name, address, mobile number and email ID. Clearly describe the information you want under the RTI Act. If supporting documents are required, upload them in the prescribed format.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the prescribed Rs 10 application fee using one of the payment options available on the portal. Applicants belonging to the BPL category can claim the fee exemption by uploading the required proof.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Review all the details carefully and submit your RTI application. After successful submission, save the acknowledgement or application reference number for future use.
Step 7: Track Your Application
Use the application reference number to check the status of your RTI request through the portal whenever required.
How to File an RTI Application by Post in Madhya Pradesh
If the concerned department does not provide an online RTI facility or you prefer the offline method, you can send your RTI application by post to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO).
Step 1: Prepare your RTI application in Hindi or English. Clearly mention the information or copies of records you require from the concerned public authority.
Step 2: Address the application to the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the concerned department or office. Make sure you use the correct postal address before dispatching the application.
Step 3: Attach the prescribed Rs 10 application fee through the payment mode accepted by the concerned department. If you belong to the BPL category, attach a self-attested copy of your valid BPL certificate instead of paying the fee.
Step 4: Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of the complete application along with the payment proof and supporting documents for your records.
Step 5: Send the application by Speed Post or any other reliable postal service that provides delivery tracking. Preserve the postal receipt until your RTI request is decided.
Step 6: After the application is delivered, the concerned Public Information Officer processes your request under the time limits prescribed in the Right to Information Act, 2005.
How to Submit an RTI Application in Person
You may also submit your RTI application directly at the office of the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) during office hours.
Carry your completed application, the prescribed application fee (if applicable), and any supporting documents required for fee exemption. After submitting the application, collect an acknowledgement or receipt and keep it safely, as it may be required while tracking the application or filing an appeal later.
RTI Applications for the Madhya Pradesh High Court
If the information you need is held by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, you should not use the general RTI process meant for State Government departments. The High Court has a separate RTI system governed by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh (Right to Information) Rules, 2006 and provides an online application facility through its official RTI portal.
One important rule to remember is that each RTI application should relate to only one item of information. If you require information on different subjects or unrelated records, separate RTI applications must be submitted for each request along with the prescribed application fee.
Applications can be submitted online through the High Court RTI portal, where the prescribed fee may be paid using the payment options available on the portal. Applicants who prefer the offline method may also submit a written RTI application to the High Court Registry in accordance with the applicable RTI Rules.
The Principal Seat of the High Court is located in Jabalpur, with permanent Benches at Indore and Gwalior. Your RTI application should be addressed to the Registry or Bench that holds the records or information you are requesting.
For the latest RTI instructions, contact details and online filing facility, visit the official High Court RTI portal: https://erp.mphc.gov.in/online_rti/online.
RTI Response Time in Madhya Pradesh
After your RTI application is received by the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO), the response must 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 submitted through a SAPIO | Up to 35 days, as the application is first forwarded to the concerned PIO |
| Application transferred under Section 6(3) | The transfer should be made within 5 days, and the receiving PIO processes the request under the RTI Act |
If you do not receive any reply within the applicable time limit, or if you are dissatisfied with the information supplied, you have the right to file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
How to File the First Appeal in Madhya Pradesh
The First Appeal must be filed before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority where the original RTI application was submitted.
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 response was due. No fee is payable for filing the First Appeal.
If you applied online: Log in to the same portal through which your RTI application was submitted, open your application details and select the option to file a First Appeal. Enter the grounds of appeal, upload supporting documents if required, and submit the appeal online.
If you applied offline: Prepare a written First Appeal addressed to the First Appellate Authority (FAA). Attach copies of your original RTI application, the PIO’s reply (if received), or proof that no reply was received within the prescribed period. Keep copies of all documents for your records and submit the appeal by post or in person.
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 a Second Appeal in Madhya Pradesh
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority (FAA), or no decision is received within the prescribed period, you can file a Second Appeal before the Madhya Pradesh Information Commission (MPIC) 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 time allowed for deciding the First Appeal.
Online Second Appeal
The Madhya Pradesh Information Commission provides an online facility for filing a Second Appeal through its official portal at sic.mp.gov.in. Open the online appeal service, complete the appeal form, upload the required documents and submit the application. Save the acknowledgement or reference number for future tracking.
Offline Second Appeal
If you prefer the offline process, prepare a written Second Appeal addressed to the Registrar, Madhya Pradesh Information Commission. Attach all supporting documents and send the appeal by post or submit it in person at the Commission’s office.
Address:
Registrar
Madhya Pradesh Information Commission (Rajya Suchna Aayog)
Suchna Bhawan, 35-B, Arera Hills,
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – 462011
There is no fee for filing a Second Appeal before the Madhya Pradesh Information Commission.
Documents to Attach
- Copy of the original RTI application.
- Proof of submission of the RTI application, wherever available.
- Copy of the reply received from the Public Information Officer (if any).
- Copy of the First Appeal submitted to the First Appellate Authority.
- Copy of the order passed by the First Appellate Authority, if available.
- A brief statement explaining why you are filing the Second Appeal.
For the latest appeal procedure, online filing facility and hearing updates, visit the official website of the Madhya Pradesh Information Commission.
How to File a Complaint Before the Madhya Pradesh Information Commission
Besides the Second Appeal, the Madhya Pradesh Information Commission (MPIC) also accepts complaints under Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. A complaint may be filed in situations where a public authority refuses to accept an RTI application, does not appoint a Public Information Officer (PIO), demands an unreasonable fee, or otherwise prevents you from exercising your rights under the RTI Act.
If the Commission provides an online complaint facility, you may submit the complaint through the official portal at sic.mp.gov.in. Alternatively, you may send a written complaint along with supporting documents to the Madhya Pradesh Information Commission.
Attach copies of the RTI application (where applicable), proof of submission, correspondence with the public authority and any other documents supporting your complaint. Before filing, check the Commission’s official website for the latest complaint procedure and filing instructions.
Practical Tips for Filing RTI in Madhya Pradesh
- Choose the correct public authority first: Before submitting your RTI application, confirm whether the information is held by a State Government department, the Madhya Pradesh High Court or a Central Government authority. Filing with the correct authority helps avoid unnecessary delays.
- Use clear and specific questions: Request identifiable records, documents or certified copies instead of asking for explanations or opinions. A precise RTI application is easier for the Public Information Officer to process.
- Hindi is commonly used at the local level: Although RTI applications may be submitted in either Hindi or English, Hindi is widely used for correspondence with district, tehsil and panchayat offices in Madhya Pradesh.
- Keep your records safely: Preserve copies of your RTI application, fee payment proof, postal receipt, acknowledgement and all replies. These documents may be required if you need to file a First or Second Appeal.
- Use the High Court RTI portal only for court records: Information relating to the High Court of Madhya Pradesh should be requested through the High Court RTI system, while information held by State Government departments should be sought through the applicable State RTI process.
Quick Reference
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| MP RTI Portal | rti.mp.gov.in |
| MP eService Portal | services.mp.gov.in/eservice |
| MP High Court RTI Portal | erp.mphc.gov.in/online_rti/online |
| Madhya Pradesh Information Commission | sic.mp.gov.in |
| Central RTI Portal | rtionline.gov.in |
| Application Fee | Rs 10 |
| Photocopy Charges | Rs 2 per page (A4/A3) |
| First Appeal Fee | Nil |
| Second Appeal Fee | Nil |
| Accepted Offline Payment Modes | Cash (in person), IPO, Demand Draft or Court Fee Stamp |
| Official Land Records Portal | landrecords.mp.gov.in |
| Official MP Government Portal | mp.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which rules govern RTI applications in Madhya Pradesh?
Ans: RTI applications for Madhya Pradesh Government departments are governed by the Madhya Pradesh Right to Information Rules, 2005. However, RTI requests relating to the High Court of Madhya Pradesh are governed separately by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh (Right to Information) Rules, 2006.
Q. Can I file an RTI application online in Madhya Pradesh?
Ans: Yes. You can start the process through the official RTI portal at rti.mp.gov.in. The portal redirects applicants to the MP eService Portal, where eligible RTI applications can be submitted online.
Q. Can I file an RTI application in Hindi?
Ans: Yes. RTI applications may be submitted in either Hindi or English. Hindi is commonly used for correspondence with government offices across Madhya Pradesh, especially at the district and local levels.
Q. How do I file the First Appeal in Madhya Pradesh?
Ans: If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed time or are dissatisfied with the information provided, you may file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority. If the original RTI was filed online, the appeal can generally be submitted through the same portal. Offline applicants may submit a written appeal to the concerned FAA.
Q. How do I file a Second Appeal?
Ans: A Second Appeal can be filed before the Madhya Pradesh Information Commission (MPIC) within 90 days of the First Appellate Authority’s decision or the expiry of the prescribed period. The Commission provides both online and offline filing facilities through its official website.
Q. Should I use the Madhya Pradesh RTI process or the Central RTI Portal?
Ans: Use the Madhya Pradesh RTI process for information held by State Government departments and authorities. If the information is held by a Central Government ministry, department, PSU or any other central public authority, file the application through the Central RTI Online Portal.
Q. Can I obtain MPPSC or MPESB information through RTI?
Ans: Yes. Both the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) and the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) are public authorities under the RTI Act. You may seek information such as recruitment records, answer sheets, merit lists or other records, subject to the provisions of the RTI Act and applicable judicial decisions.
Q. Where can I check Madhya Pradesh land records before filing an RTI?
Ans: You can search many land records through the official MP Land Records portal at landrecords.mp.gov.in. If the required information is not available online or you need certified records, you may then consider filing an RTI application with the concerned authority.
Q. Should I file an RTI or use the Madhya Pradesh CM Helpline?
Ans: Use an RTI application when you need copies of government records or official information. If you want to report a grievance, request action or lodge a complaint against a government department, the Madhya Pradesh CM Helpline Portal is the appropriate platform.
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.