Sikkim RTI Online: Apply, Fees, Appeal Process & Time Limit

Sikkim provides an official online system for submitting applications under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Citizens can file RTI applications through the Sikkim RTI Online Portal. Applications may also be submitted offline to the concerned public authority in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

The RTI fee and procedure for Sikkim Government public authorities are governed by the Sikkim State Right to Information (Regulation of Fee, Costs and Miscellaneous) Rules, 2005. The prescribed RTI application fee is Rs 10. RTI applications are addressed to the designated State Information Officer (SIO) or State Assistant Information Officer (SAIO) of the concerned department.

First Appeals, Second Appeals and complaints are governed by the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Information relating to the Sikkim Information Commission, RTI rules and designated public authorities is available on the official Government of Sikkim website.

For RTI applications relating to Central Government ministries, departments and organisations, applicants should use the Central RTI Online Portal. You can also read our comprehensive RTI Online India Guide to understand the RTI process across the country.

Can You File an RTI Application in Nepali or Other Official Languages?

Under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, an RTI application may be submitted in English, Hindi, or the official language of the area. Since Sikkim recognises multiple official languages under the Sikkim Official Languages Act, applicants may submit RTI applications in an appropriate official language. In practice, English and Nepali are the most commonly used languages for filing RTI applications and communicating with public authorities.

Which RTI Portal Should You Use in Sikkim?

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

Use the Sikkim RTI Portal or submit an offline application if the information relates to Sikkim Government departments or state public authorities, such as:

• Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department
• Sikkim Police
• Power Department, Government of Sikkim
• Roads and Bridges Department
• Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC)
• Urban Development Department and Urban Local Bodies
• Rural Development Department and Gram Panchayats
• Social Welfare Department
• Education Department and state educational institutions
• Health and Family Welfare Department
• Tourism and Civil Aviation Department
• Forest and Environment Department
• Horticulture and Cash Crops Development Department

Use the Central RTI Online Portal if the information is held by a Central Government ministry, department or organisation. Common examples include:

• Income Tax Department
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
• Aadhaar
• Passport Seva
• Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
• Sikkim University
• NIT Sikkim
• Central Government offices located in Sikkim

If you are unsure whether a public authority belongs to the State Government or the Central Government, verify the organisation before filing your RTI application to avoid unnecessary transfers or delays.

Sikkim RTI Fee and Payment Methods

The RTI application fee and charges for obtaining information are governed by the Sikkim State Right to Information (Regulation of Fee, Costs and Miscellaneous) Rules, 2005. The applicable charges are:

• 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: Free for the first hour; thereafter Rs 5 for every 15 minutes or part thereof.
• First Appeal: No fee
• Second Appeal: No fee

Application Fee Payment: The prescribed RTI application fee is generally deposited through a Treasury Challan / Bank Receipt under the notified Government head of account. Applicants should attach a copy of the payment receipt with their RTI application, wherever applicable.

BPL Applicants: Applicants claiming exemption from the RTI application fee should attach the prescribed proof of eligibility. Where required by the concerned public authority, a copy of a valid identity proof should also be enclosed.

Important: Before submitting an offline RTI application, verify the accepted mode of fee payment with the concerned public authority, as the prescribed procedure may vary depending on the department.

How to File an RTI Application Online in Sikkim

The Government of Sikkim launched its dedicated RTI Online Portal on 12 March 2025. Citizens can submit RTI applications electronically through the official portal at rtionline.sikkim.gov.in.

Step 1: Visit the official Sikkim RTI Online Portal and register as a new user. Existing users can sign in using their registered credentials.

Step 2: Complete the registration process by providing the required personal details and verifying your account, wherever applicable.

Step 3: Select the concerned department or public authority and start a new RTI application.

Step 4: Enter your RTI request clearly and ask for specific information, records, documents or certified copies required under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Step 5: Upload the required supporting documents, if applicable, and complete the online fee payment or claim the available exemption, wherever eligible.

Step 6: Review the application carefully and submit it. After successful submission, save the acknowledgement or registration number for future reference.

Step 7: Use the same portal to check your application status, download available responses and access other RTI services provided through the portal.

Step 8: If you are not satisfied with the reply or no response is received within the prescribed time, file a First Appeal under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005 through the prescribed procedure.

How to File an RTI by Post in Sikkim

If you prefer the offline process, you can send your RTI request by post to the concerned State Information Officer (SIO) or State Assistant Information Officer (SAIO) of the public authority holding the information.

Step 1: Write your RTI request on plain paper or in the prescribed format, if used by the concerned department. Clearly mention that the request is being made under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Step 2: Address the request to the concerned State Information Officer (SIO) or State Assistant Information Officer (SAIO) and include your full name, postal address, contact details and a clear description of the information required.

Step 3: Attach the prescribed fee payment proof and supporting documents, wherever required under the applicable RTI rules.

Step 4: Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of the complete set for your records before dispatch.

Step 5: Send the RTI request through Speed Post, Registered Post, or submit it directly at the office of the concerned public authority and obtain an acknowledgement.

Submitting an RTI Request in Person

You may also visit the office of the concerned State Information Officer (SIO) or State Assistant Information Officer (SAIO) and submit your RTI request in person along with the prescribed fee payment proof and any supporting documents required under the applicable rules. Always obtain a dated acknowledgement or receipt for future reference.

RTI Response Time Limit in Sikkim

Public authorities in Sikkim are required to respond within the time limits prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

• 30 days: Normal time limit for providing information or issuing a reasoned rejection.
• 48 hours: Where the information concerns the life or liberty of a person.
• 35 days: If an RTI request is submitted through a State Assistant Information Officer (SAIO).
• Transfer within 5 days: If another public authority holds the information, the RTI request should be transferred under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act.

How to File the First Appeal in Sikkim

You may file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act if the concerned State Information Officer (SIO) does not respond within the prescribed time or if you are dissatisfied with the information provided.

When to file: Normally within 30 days from the date of receiving the reply or from the expiry of the response period.

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

Disposal Time: The First Appellate Authority (FAA) should ordinarily decide the appeal within 30 days. The period may be extended up to 45 days after recording the reasons in writing.

Online First Appeal

If your RTI request was submitted through the Sikkim RTI Online Portal, log in to your account and use the available First Appeal option, wherever provided. Select the concerned RTI request, state the reasons for the appeal, upload supporting documents if required, and submit the appeal. Save the acknowledgement for future reference.

Offline First Appeal

If the RTI request was submitted offline, address the appeal to the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department. Attach copies of the RTI request, acknowledgement or postal receipt, fee payment proof (where applicable), the reply received from the SIO (if any), and briefly explain why you are aggrieved. Submit the appeal in person or send it by Registered Post or Speed Post and keep the acknowledgement safely.

How to File a Second Appeal in Sikkim

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority (FAA), or no order is passed within the prescribed period, you may file a Second Appeal before the Sikkim Information Commission (SIC) under Section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Time Limit: A Second Appeal should ordinarily be filed within 90 days from the date of the FAA’s decision or from the expiry of the prescribed time for deciding the First Appeal. The Commission may admit an appeal after this period if sufficient cause for the delay is shown.

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

How to Submit the Second Appeal

Prepare the appeal in writing, clearly mentioning the facts of the case, the relief sought and the reasons for challenging the decision of the First Appellate Authority. Submit the appeal to the Sikkim Information Commission along with all supporting documents. It may be delivered in person or sent through Registered Post or Speed Post.

Documents to Attach

• Copy of the original RTI request.
• Copy of the acknowledgement or dispatch proof.
• Copy of the reply received from the State Information Officer (if any).
• Copy of the First Appeal.
• Copy of the order passed by the First Appellate Authority, if available.
• Any additional documents supporting the grounds of appeal.

For the latest procedures, notifications and contact details of the Commission, refer to the official Sikkim Information Commission page.

Useful Tips for Filing an RTI in Sikkim

• Use the official RTI portal whenever possible: The Government of Sikkim provides an online RTI portal where applicants can submit RTI requests, make online fee payments and track their applications.
• Choose the correct public authority: Before filing an RTI request, confirm whether the information is held by a Sikkim Government department or a Central Government organisation and use the appropriate RTI portal.
• Attach supporting documents wherever required: If the concerned public authority requires identity proof or fee payment proof, ensure these documents are enclosed to avoid unnecessary objections.
• Ask for specific information: Request identifiable records, documents, file notings or certified copies instead of asking questions seeking opinions or explanations.
• Keep copies of everything: Preserve the RTI request, acknowledgement, postal receipt, fee payment proof and all replies until the matter is finally disposed of.
• Follow the appeal timelines: If no reply is received within the prescribed period or the information supplied is incomplete, file the First Appeal without unnecessary delay.

Quick Reference

Particular	Details
Official RTI Portal	rtionline.sikkim.gov.in
RTI Launch	Online RTI Portal launched on 12 March 2025
Application Fee	Rs 10
Fee Payment	As prescribed under the Sikkim RTI Rules and the concerned public authority’s instructions
First Appeal Fee	Nil
Second Appeal Fee	Nil
Normal Response Time	30 days
Life or Liberty Cases	48 hours
Official SIC Page	Government of Sikkim
Central RTI Portal	rtionline.gov.in
Applicable Law	Right to Information Act, 2005

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. When was the Sikkim RTI Online Portal launched?
Ans. The Government of Sikkim launched its dedicated RTI Online Portal on 12 March 2025. Citizens can file RTI applications online through the official portal at rtionline.sikkim.gov.in. The launch was announced through an official notification published on the Government of Sikkim website.

Q. Is identity proof required while filing an RTI in Sikkim?
Ans. The RTI guidance published by several Sikkim Government departments requires applicants to enclose a copy of a valid identity proof along with the RTI request. Before submitting your request, follow the latest instructions issued by the concerned public authority.

Q. How is the RTI application fee paid in Sikkim?
Ans. The prescribed RTI application fee is Rs 10. For offline applications, the fee is generally deposited through the prescribed Treasury Challan or Bank Receipt as per the applicable Sikkim RTI Rules and departmental instructions. Applicants should attach the payment proof wherever required.

Q. What is the difference between an SIO and an SAIO?
Ans. In Sikkim, RTI requests are handled by the State Information Officer (SIO), while the State Assistant Information Officer (SAIO) assists in receiving and forwarding RTI requests. These designations perform functions similar to the PIO and APIO used in many other states.

Q. Can an RTI request be submitted in Nepali?
Ans. Yes. Under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, an RTI request may be submitted in English, Hindi or the official language of the area. In Sikkim, English and Nepali are the most commonly used languages for filing RTI requests with public authorities.

Q. Should I use the Sikkim RTI Portal or the Central RTI Portal?
Ans. Use the Sikkim RTI Online Portal for RTI requests relating to Sikkim Government departments and public authorities. For Central Government ministries, departments, organisations and institutions such as Sikkim University, use the Central RTI Online Portal.

Q. Is there any fee for filing the First Appeal or Second Appeal?
Ans. No. Under the applicable RTI provisions, no fee is prescribed for filing the First Appeal or the Second Appeal in Sikkim.

Q. What should I do if I do not receive an RTI reply within 30 days?
Ans. If the concerned State Information Officer does not provide a reply within the prescribed time limit or the information supplied is incomplete, you may file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 before the designated First Appellate Authority.