Odisha RTI Online: Portal, Fee, Online Apply, Appeal & ID Proof Guide

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, enables every Indian citizen to seek information from Odisha Government departments, public authorities, local bodies, and government organisations. RTI applications in the state are governed by the Odisha Right to Information Rules, 2005 and the Odisha Right to Information (Amendment) Rules, 2006. The prescribed application fee is Rs. 10.

Odisha has one important requirement that applicants should not overlook. While submitting an RTI application, you must attach a self-attested copy of a valid identity proof. This requirement applies to all applicants, including those claiming fee exemption under the BPL category, as specified on the official RTI Odisha portal.

Citizens can file RTI applications online through the RTI Central Monitoring Mechanism (RTI CMM) at rtiodisha.gov.in. The portal, managed by the Information & Public Relations (I&PR) Department, Government of Odisha, allows applicants to submit RTI requests, pay the application fee online, and monitor the progress of their applications. It also supports designated offline payment options at authorised banks.

If you are not satisfied with the response received from the Public Information Officer or your First Appeal, you can approach the Odisha Information Commission (OIC). The Commission accepts Second Appeals and complaints through its official website at suchana.odisha.gov.in. The Commission’s office is located at Block B-1, Toshali Bhawan, Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar – 751007.

If you are looking for RTI procedures applicable across India, read our RTI Online India Guide.

Mandatory Identity Proof for RTI Applications in Odisha

Odisha requires applicants to submit a self-attested copy of a valid identity proof along with every RTI application. According to the official RTI Odisha portal, “Both General/BPL category applicants should submit a photocopy of ID proof.” This requirement applies to all applicants, irrespective of their category.

You should attach any one of the following valid identity documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• EPIC (Voter ID Card)
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
• Passport
• Any other government-issued photo identity card

For online applications: Upload a scanned copy of your identity proof in one of the supported formats available on the RTI Odisha portal, such as PDF, JPG, DOC or XLS.

For offline applications: Attach a self-attested photocopy of the identity document along with your RTI application before submitting it to the concerned Public Information Officer.

Before submitting your application, ensure that the identity proof is attached. This is an important requirement under Odisha’s RTI filing process and helps avoid unnecessary delays during scrutiny of your application.

Central vs Odisha State RTI: Choose the Correct Authority

Before filing an RTI application, identify whether the information is held by the Government of Odisha or a Central Government department. Filing before the correct public authority helps avoid unnecessary transfers and delays.

Use the Odisha RTI Portal (rtiodisha.gov.in) for information from state government departments and authorities such as:

• Revenue and Disaster Management Department – Record of Rights (RoR), mutation, land records and Tehsil office records
• Odisha Police – FIRs, investigation status, action taken reports and other police records
• TPCODL, TPNODL, TPWODL and TPSODL – electricity distribution, billing and service-related records
• Works Department – roads, bridges, public buildings and government contracts
• Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC)
• Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Berhampur Municipal Corporation and other Urban Local Bodies
• Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and other development authorities
• Odisha State Housing Board (OSHB)
• Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishads for rural development and MGNREGS-related information
• Department of Social Security & Empowerment – pensions and welfare schemes
• School & Mass Education Department – schools, teachers and education-related records
• Health & Family Welfare Department – government hospitals, PHCs and public health services
• Department of Steel & Mines and District Mineral Foundation (DMF) authorities

Use the Central RTI Portal (rtionline.gov.in) for information from Central Government departments and organisations, including:

• East Coast Railway and other Railway authorities
• Income Tax Department
• Regional Passport Office, Bhubaneswar
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
• National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), including Rourkela Steel Plant
• National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Sunabeda Division
• IIT Bhubaneswar, IIM Sambalpur and other Central educational institutions
• UIDAI for Aadhaar-related information
• Orissa High Court, which follows its own RTI mechanism

Odisha RTI Fee and Payment Modes

The Odisha Right to Information Rules prescribe the following fees for obtaining information under the RTI Act:

• 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, then Rs. 5 for every additional hour or part thereof
• First Appeal: No fee
• Second Appeal: No fee

BPL applicants: Citizens holding a valid BPL certificate are exempt from paying the Rs. 10 application fee. However, they should attach a self-attested copy of their BPL certificate along with a self-attested copy of a valid identity proof while submitting the application.

Online Payment (RTI Odisha Portal)

If you file an RTI application through rtiodisha.gov.in, the application fee can be paid using the payment options available on the portal, including:

• Internet Banking
• SBI Debit Card
• Cash payment at authorised bank branches through the e-Challan option, wherever available on the portal

Offline Payment

For applications submitted by post or in person, the RTI application fee may be paid through any of the following accepted modes:

• Cash against an official receipt
• Indian Postal Order (IPO)
• Money Order (MO)
• Demand Draft / Bank Draft
• Treasury Challan

Prepare the fee instrument in favour of the Public Information Officer or the officer authorised by the concerned public authority to collect RTI fees. Before sending the application, attach the applicable fee proof along with the required identity proof.

How to File an RTI Application Online in Odisha

The Government of Odisha provides the RTI Central Monitoring Mechanism (RTI CMM) at rtiodisha.gov.in for submitting RTI applications online to participating State Government departments and public authorities.

Step 1: Visit rtiodisha.gov.in and choose the option to file a new RTI application.

Step 2: Register using your name, mobile number, email ID and address if you are a new user. Existing users can log in with their registered credentials.

Step 3: Select the concerned Public Authority from the list and proceed to the online application form.

Step 4: Fill in your personal details and clearly describe the information you wish to obtain under the RTI Act. You may write the application in Odia or English.

Step 5: Upload the required supporting documents, including a self-attested identity proof. If your application is lengthy, you can upload it as an attachment. The portal accepts commonly supported formats such as PDF, JPG and DOC.

Step 6: If you are not a BPL applicant, pay the Rs. 10 application fee using one of the payment options available on the portal. BPL applicants should upload their BPL certificate and can proceed without paying the application fee.

Step 7: Review the information entered and submit your application. After successful submission, the portal generates an Acknowledgement Number. Save this number carefully as it is required for future correspondence and status tracking.

Step 8: Use the Track Application option on the RTI Odisha portal to check the latest status of your RTI application using the Acknowledgement Number.

For technical issues related to the RTI portal, you can use the contact details provided on the official website.

Filing RTI in Odia

Under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, an RTI application may be submitted in English, Odia, or the official language of the area. Since Odia is the official language of the State, Public Information Officers (PIOs) are required to accept and process RTI applications written in Odia without insisting on an English translation.

Filing in Odia is especially useful when seeking information from local authorities such as:

• Tehsil and Revenue Inspector (RI) offices for land records, mutation and RoR-related information
• Block Offices and Gram Panchayats for MGNREGS, PMAY-G and rural development schemes
• District and Sub-Divisional Education Offices
• Government hospitals, Community Health Centres and other district-level public offices

How to File an RTI Application by Post in Odisha

Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain paper in Odia or English. Clearly mention the information you want under the RTI Act.

Step 2: Address the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned government department or public authority.

Step 3: Attach the prescribed Rs. 10 application fee through any accepted offline payment mode. BPL applicants should attach a self-attested copy of their valid BPL certificate instead of paying the application fee.

Step 4: Attach a self-attested copy of a valid identity proof. This is a mandatory requirement for RTI applications submitted in Odisha.

Step 5: Keep photocopies of the complete application, fee proof and supporting documents for your records.

Step 6: Send the application to the concerned PIO by Speed Post, Registered Post, or submit it personally at the office and obtain an acknowledgement or receipt.

Step 7: Preserve the postal receipt or acknowledgement carefully. It serves as proof of submission and helps you calculate the statutory response period under the RTI Act.

Filing RTI In Person

If you prefer to submit your RTI application personally, visit the office of the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) or Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) during office hours.

Step 1: Carry your completed RTI application, a self-attested copy of your identity proof, the prescribed application fee (if applicable), and any supporting documents.

Step 2: Submit the application to the PIO or APIO and pay the application fee through the accepted payment mode, if required.

Step 3: Collect a dated acknowledgement or receipt after submission. Keep it safely as proof of filing and for future reference.

Response Timeline under the RTI Act

• 30 days: The Public Information Officer (PIO) should provide the requested information or communicate the reasons for rejection within 30 days of receiving the application.
• 48 hours: Information concerning the life or liberty of a person must be provided within 48 hours.
• 35 days: If the application is submitted to an Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO), up to 5 additional days may be available for forwarding it to the concerned PIO.
• 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 within five days.
• First Appeal: If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed period or are dissatisfied with the response, you may file a First Appeal before the designated First Appellate Authority.

First Appeal Under Section 19(1)

If you do not receive a reply from the Public Information Officer (PIO) within the prescribed time or you are dissatisfied with the information provided, you can file a First Appeal before the designated First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same public authority.

Time limit: File the First Appeal within 30 days from the date the reply was received or from the expiry of the prescribed response period.

Application fee: No fee is payable for filing a First Appeal in Odisha.

How to file:

• Address the appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the concerned department.
• Clearly mention the reasons why you are dissatisfied with the PIO’s reply or why no reply was received.
• Attach copies of the RTI application, acknowledgement or fee payment proof, identity proof, and the PIO’s reply, if available.
• Submit the appeal by Speed Post, Registered Post or in person and keep the acknowledgement safely.

Second Appeal to the Odisha Information Commission

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, or no decision is received within the prescribed period, you may file a Second Appeal before the Odisha Information Commission (OIC) under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act.

Time limit: The Second Appeal should normally be filed within 90 days from the date of the First Appellate Authority’s decision or from the expiry of the prescribed period for deciding the First Appeal. The Commission may condone the delay if sufficient cause is shown.

The Odisha Information Commission also provides a Legal Facilitator at its Bhubaneswar office to assist citizens with filing appeals and understanding the appeal process. Hearings of the Commission are generally open to the public.

Documents generally required:

• Copy of the original RTI application.
• Proof of submission and fee payment.
• Copy of the identity proof submitted with the RTI application.
• Copy of the PIO’s reply, if received.
• Copy of the First Appeal.
• Proof of submission 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.

Submit the Second Appeal to:

The Registrar / Secretary
Odisha Information Commission
Block B-1, Toshali Bhawan
Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar – 751007

Contact Details

• Website: suchana.odisha.gov.in
• Phone: 0674-2391888
• Toll-Free: 1800-3456777
• Email: osic-od@nic.in
• Office Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (working days)

No fee is payable for filing a Second Appeal before the Odisha Information Commission.

Tips Specific to Odisha RTI

• ID proof is mandatory: Every RTI application in Odisha must be accompanied by a self-attested copy of a valid identity proof, including applications filed by BPL applicants. This requirement applies to both online and offline submissions.
• Use the online portal whenever possible: The RTI CMM portal allows you to submit applications, upload supporting documents, pay the application fee online, and track the status without visiting the department.
• Choose the correct public authority: Before filing an RTI, identify the department that actually holds the information. Applications sent to the wrong authority may be transferred under Section 6(3), which can delay the response.
• Check Bhulekh before filing: Land records such as RoR, Khatian and plot details are available through the Bhulekh Odisha portal. Check these records first and file an RTI only if the required information is unavailable or you need certified records.
• Central departments use the Central RTI Portal: For organisations such as Railways, Passport Office, Income Tax, EPFO, NALCO, SAIL and other Central Government authorities located in Odisha, file your RTI through the Central RTI Portal instead of the Odisha RTI portal.
• Keep all acknowledgements safely: Preserve your application acknowledgement, payment receipt, postal receipt and any correspondence. These documents are required if you later file a First Appeal or Second Appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is identity proof mandatory for filing an RTI application in Odisha?

Ans. Yes. Odisha requires every applicant, including BPL applicants, to submit a self-attested copy of a valid identity proof along with the RTI application. Accepted documents include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or any other government-issued identity card. For online applications, upload a scanned copy. For offline applications, attach a photocopy.

Q. Can I file an RTI application online in Odisha?

Ans. Yes. You can file an RTI application through the official RTI Central Monitoring Mechanism (RTI CMM) portal at rtiodisha.gov.in. The portal allows applicants to submit RTI requests, upload supporting documents, pay the application fee online, and track the status of their application.

Q. What is the RTI application fee in Odisha?

Ans. The application fee is Rs. 10. BPL applicants are exempt from paying the application fee but must still attach a valid BPL certificate and the required identity proof. Additional charges may apply if copies of records or other information are supplied.

Q. What payment methods are available for Odisha RTI?

Ans. Online applicants can pay through the payment options available on the RTI CMM portal. Offline applications may be submitted with the prescribed fee through the accepted payment modes such as cash, Indian Postal Order (IPO), Money Order, Bank Draft or Treasury Challan, as permitted under the applicable rules and government instructions.

Q. Where can I file a Second Appeal in Odisha?

Ans. If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, you can file a Second Appeal before the Odisha Information Commission (OIC). Appeals can be submitted to the Commission at Toshali Bhawan, Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar. The official website is suchana.odisha.gov.in.

Q. Can I submit my RTI application in Odia?

Ans. Yes. RTI applications may be submitted in Odia or English. Public Information Officers are required to accept applications in the official language of the State.

Q. Should I use the Odisha RTI portal or the Central RTI Portal?

Ans. Use rtiodisha.gov.in for Odisha Government departments, state public authorities, local bodies and state organisations. For Central Government ministries, departments, Railways, Passport Office, Income Tax, EPFO, NALCO, SAIL and other Central Government organisations, use the Central RTI Portal at rtionline.gov.in.

Q. How can I contact the Odisha Information Commission?

Ans. You can contact the Odisha Information Commission through its official website suchana.odisha.gov.in, by phone at 0674-2391888, or through the toll-free helpline 1800-3456777 during working hours.