The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives every Indian citizen the right to seek information from West Bengal Government departments and public authorities. In West Bengal, the filing process, application fee, payment methods, and appeal procedure are governed by the West Bengal Right to Information Rules, 2006, notified by the Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department under Section 27 of the RTI Act.
Citizens can now submit RTI applications and First Appeals online through the official West Bengal RTI Portal at rtionline.semtwb.in. Offline applications can also be submitted to the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) as prescribed under the RTI Act and the State Rules.
The prescribed RTI application fee is Rs 10. For offline applications, West Bengal continues to permit payment through a Rs 10 Court Fee Stamp, making it one of the few states that still use this method. Other payment options are available for online applications through the official RTI portal.
Applications may be submitted in English, Bengali, or any official language used in the concerned area. A Public Information Officer cannot refuse an RTI application merely because it has been written in Bengali or another officially recognised language.
If you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, or no order is passed within the prescribed period, you can file a Second Appeal online through the official West Bengal Information Commission (WBIC) portal at wbic.wb.gov.in. The Commission also accepts appeals and complaints in accordance with the RTI Act, 2005.
For RTI rules applicable across India and Central Government departments, you can also read our complete RTI Online India guide.
Central vs West Bengal State RTI: Which Portal Should You Use?
Before filing an RTI application, make sure you choose the correct authority. West Bengal Government departments and Central Government departments follow different RTI systems.
Use the West Bengal RTI Portal or the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) for information related to:
- Land records, mutation (Namantar), Khatian, Parcha, and Revenue Department records.
- West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police, district police offices, and other state law enforcement authorities.
- WBSEDCL and other West Bengal Government electricity departments.
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), municipalities, municipal corporations, and Panchayats.
- Public Works Department (PWD), Irrigation & Waterways Department, and other state engineering departments.
- School Education Department, WBBSE, WBCHSE, and other State Government educational authorities.
- Health & Family Welfare Department, district hospitals, medical colleges, and other state health institutions.
- State welfare schemes, pensions, transport corporations, housing authorities, and other West Bengal Government departments.
Use the Central RTI Portal (rtionline.gov.in) for information related to Central Government departments and organisations, such as:
- Indian Railways, Metro Railway Kolkata, and other Central Railway offices.
- Income Tax Department.
- Passport Seva and Regional Passport Offices.
- EPFO.
- UIDAI – Aadhaar Card
- Coal India Limited (CIL) and other Central Public Sector Undertakings.
- SAIL, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, and other Central Government organisations.
Tip: Filing your RTI with the correct public authority helps avoid delays and ensures your application reaches the appropriate Public Information Officer without unnecessary transfer.
West Bengal RTI Fee and Payment
The application fee and other charges are prescribed under the West Bengal Right to Information Rules, 2006.
- RTI Application Fee: Rs. 10
- Photocopy Charges: Rs. 2 per page (A4 or A3)
- Information on CD/DVD or other electronic media: Rs. 50 per disc
- Inspection of Records: Free for the first hour and Rs. 5 for every additional 15 minutes or part thereof.
- First Appeal: No fee.
- Second Appeal: No fee.
BPL Applicants: Citizens holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from paying the RTI application fee. Attach a self-attested copy of the BPL certificate or card while submitting the application.
Accepted Payment Methods
The mode of payment depends on whether you submit your RTI application online or offline.
For Offline Applications
- Rs. 10 Court Fee Stamp: Affix a Court Fee Stamp of Rs. 10 on the RTI application. This remains the most commonly used payment method in West Bengal.
- Indian Postal Order (IPO): Pay the prescribed fee through an IPO drawn in favour of the concerned Public Information Officer wherever accepted.
- Demand Draft or Banker’s Cheque: Draw the instrument in favour of the authority specified by the concerned public authority.
- Other modes permitted under the West Bengal RTI Rules: Follow the payment instructions provided by the concerned department, wherever applicable.
For Online Applications
If you submit your RTI application through the official West Bengal RTI Portal, pay the prescribed application fee using the online payment options available on the portal during the submission process.
Can You File an RTI by Email?
Yes. Under the West Bengal Right to Information Rules, an RTI application may also be sent by email to the concerned Public Information Officer.
However, if you choose this method, the prescribed application fee must still be sent separately through an approved offline payment mode. Mention the payment details in your email so that the Public Information Officer can verify the fee before processing your request.
File RTI Online Through the West Bengal RTI Portal
For departments available on the official West Bengal RTI Portal, you can submit your RTI application and First Appeal online.
Step 1: Visit the official portal at rtionline.semtwb.in.
Step 2: Register as a new user or log in if you already have an account.
Step 3: Select the concerned Public Authority or department from the available list.
Step 4: Fill in your personal details and write the information you wish to obtain. Applications may be submitted in English, Bengali, or any officially recognised language of the area.
Step 5: Upload supporting documents, if required, and pay the prescribed application fee using the payment options available on the portal.
Step 6: Submit the application and save the generated Registration Number. You can use this number later to track your RTI application or file a First Appeal.
File RTI Online for the P&AR Department
The Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR) Department has its own dedicated RTI portal. Use this portal only if your RTI application relates to the P&AR Department.
Step 1: Visit par.wb.gov.in/rtilogin.php.
Step 2: New users should click “Register Here” and create an account. Existing users can log in using their credentials.
Step 3: Open the RTI application form and enter the required details. Clearly describe the information you want under the RTI Act.
Step 4: Pay the prescribed Rs. 10 application fee through the GRIPS (Government Receipt Portal System).
Step 5: Review the application and submit it. A unique Registration Number will be generated for future reference.
You can also use the same portal to file a First Appeal relating to the P&AR Department.
File RTI by Post
If you prefer the offline method, you can submit your RTI application directly to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO).
Step 1: Write your RTI application on plain paper in English, Bengali, or any officially recognised language of the area.
Step 2: Address the application to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) of the department from which you want the information.
Step 3: Clearly mention the information you require along with your name, complete postal address, mobile number, and other contact details.
Step 4: Attach the prescribed Rs. 10 application fee using any payment mode permitted under the West Bengal RTI Rules. BPL applicants should attach a self-attested copy of their valid BPL certificate instead of paying the fee.
Step 5: Keep a copy of the complete application and payment proof for your records.
Step 6: Send the application by Speed Post, Registered Post, or submit it personally at the office of the concerned SPIO. If you submit it in person, collect a dated acknowledgement or receipt.
File RTI by Email
Under the West Bengal Right to Information Rules, you may also submit an RTI application by email to the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO). However, sending the email alone is not enough; the prescribed application fee must also be paid separately.
Step 1: Prepare your RTI application in English, Bengali, or any officially recognised language of the area.
Step 2: Email the application to the concerned SPIO. Mention that the application is being filed under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Step 3: Send the prescribed Rs. 10 application fee separately through an approved offline payment mode permitted under the West Bengal RTI Rules.
Step 4: Mention the payment details in your email, such as the payment instrument number, date, amount, and other relevant particulars. Keep copies of both the email and the payment proof for future reference.
File RTI in Person
If you prefer, you can submit your RTI application personally at the office of the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) or State Assistant Public Information Officer (SAPIO).
Step 1: Carry your completed RTI application along with the prescribed application fee or proof of fee payment, as applicable.
Step 2: Submit the application at the office of the concerned SPIO or SAPIO during working hours.
Step 3: If the fee is accepted in cash, collect the official payment receipt. Also, request a dated acknowledgement or a receiving copy of your RTI application.
Important: If you submit your application to a SAPIO, the application is forwarded to the concerned SPIO. Under the RTI Act, the SAPIO may take up to 5 additional days to forward the application, which is added to the prescribed response period.
RTI Response Timeline in West Bengal
After your RTI application is received by the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO), the reply should be provided within the time limits prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
| Situation | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Normal RTI application | 30 days |
| Information relating to life or liberty | Within 48 hours |
| Application transferred to another Public Authority (Section 6(3)) | Within 5 days of receipt |
| Third-party consultation (where applicable) | As provided under the RTI Act |
If you have provided your mobile number and email address, you may receive status updates through the online system wherever applicable.
How to File the First Appeal
If you do not receive a reply within the prescribed period, or you are not satisfied with the information provided, you can file a First Appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the same department.
- Time Limit: Within 30 days from the date of receiving the reply or from the expiry of the response period.
- Application Fee: No fee.
- Disposal Period: Normally within 30 days, which may be extended up to 45 days by recording reasons in writing.
Online:
- For the P&AR Department, file the First Appeal through the official P&AR RTI portal.
- For departments available on the West Bengal RTI Portal, file the appeal through rtionline.semtwb.in.
Offline:
Submit the appeal to the First Appellate Authority of the concerned department along with copies of your RTI application, the reply received (if any), and the grounds for appeal.
Important: The West Bengal Information Commission normally expects applicants to complete the First Appeal process before filing a Second Appeal.
How to File a Second Appeal
If you are still not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, or no order is passed within the prescribed period, you may file a Second Appeal before the West Bengal Information Commission (WBIC).
- Time Limit: Within 90 days from the First Appellate Authority’s order or from the expiry of the prescribed time.
- Application Fee: No fee.
Online Filing
Visit wbic.wb.gov.in, choose the Second Appeal option, complete the online form, upload the required self-attested documents, and submit the application.
Offline Filing
Send your appeal to:
The Registrar
West Bengal Information Commission
11A, Mirza Ghalib Street,
Khadya Bhawan,
Kolkata – 700087
Documents Required for Second Appeal
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Copy of RTI application | ✔ |
| Fee payment proof | ✔ |
| PIO’s reply (if received) | ✔ |
| Copy of First Appeal | ✔ |
| FAA’s order (if received) | ✔ |
| Supporting documents | ✔ |
| Proof of service on the PIO and FAA | ✔ |
Important: Self-attest all supporting documents before uploading or submitting them. Keep copies of every application, appeal, acknowledgement, and postal receipt until your RTI matter is finally disposed of.
West Bengal Information Commission (WBIC): Important Information
The West Bengal Information Commission (WBIC) is the appellate authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005. It hears Second Appeals and complaints relating to RTI applications filed with the West Bengal Government public authorities.
- Facilitation Desk: Citizens can visit the WBIC Facilitation Desk at 11A, Mirza Ghalib Street, Khadya Bhawan, Kolkata – 700087, between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM on working days for assistance with filing appeals and complaints.
- Helpline: 033-22520509
- Online Services: Second Appeals can be filed online through the official WBIC portal at wbic.wb.gov.in.
- Hearings: The Commission conducts hearings in person as well as through virtual platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, and NIC Video Conferencing Centres, wherever applicable.
- Final Orders: After the hearing, the Commission issues a written order, which is also published on the official WBIC website.
When Can You File a Complaint Under Section 18?
A complaint under Section 18 of the RTI Act, 2005 may be filed directly before the West Bengal Information Commission in situations such as:
- The Public Information Officer refuses to accept your RTI application.
- An unreasonable application fee or additional fee is demanded.
- No response is received within the prescribed time.
- The information supplied is incomplete, false, or misleading.
- You are prevented from exercising your rights under the RTI Act in any other manner.
Important: A complaint under Section 18 is different from a Second Appeal under Section 19. If your objective is to obtain the requested information, you should normally complete the First Appeal process before filing a Second Appeal before the Commission.
Useful Tips for RTI Applicants in West Bengal
- Keep your Registration Number safe: It is required for tracking your RTI application and filing appeals.
- Use Bengali if you are comfortable: RTI applications can be submitted in English, Bengali, or any officially recognised language of the area.
- Check online records first: Land records, Khatian, Parcha, and several other revenue records may already be available on Banglar Bhumi. If the information is publicly available, an RTI application may not be necessary.
- Complete the First Appeal before approaching WBIC: In most cases, the Commission expects applicants to exhaust the First Appeal remedy before filing a Second Appeal.
- Keep all documents safely: Preserve copies of your RTI application, payment proof, acknowledgements, replies, and appeal papers until the matter is finally disposed of.
Quick Reference
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| West Bengal RTI Portal | rtionline.semtwb.in/aspx/index.aspx |
| P&AR Department RTI Portal | par.wb.gov.in/rtilogin.php |
| West Bengal Information Commission (WBIC) | wbic.wb.gov.in |
| Online Second Appeal | wbic.wb.gov.in |
| WBIC FAQ | Official FAQ |
| Banglar Bhumi (Land Records) | banglarbhumi.gov.in |
| GRIPS Payment Portal | wbifms.gov.in/GRIPS |
| RTI Application Fee | Rs. 10 |
| First Appeal Fee | Nil |
| Second Appeal Fee | Nil |
| WBIC Helpline | 033-22520509 |
| Facilitation Desk | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Working Days) |
| WBIC Address | 11A, Mirza Ghalib Street, Khadya Bhawan, Kolkata – 700087 |
| Official West Bengal Portal | wb.gov.in |
| Central Government RTI Portal | rtionline.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I file an RTI application online in West Bengal?
Ans. Yes. West Bengal provides the West Bengal RTI Portal at rtionline.semtwb.in for filing RTI applications and First Appeals for departments available on the portal. The P&AR Department also operates its own dedicated RTI portal for department-specific requests.
Q. Can I file my RTI application in Bengali?
Ans. Yes. Under the RTI Act, you may submit an application in English, Bengali, or the official language of the area. Public Information Officers cannot reject an RTI application simply because it is written in Bengali.
Q. What is the RTI application fee in West Bengal?
Ans. The prescribed application fee is Rs. 10. Citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are exempt from paying the application fee after submitting valid proof.
Q. Is there any fee for First Appeal or Second Appeal?
Ans. No. There is no fee for filing either a First Appeal or a Second Appeal under the RTI Act in West Bengal.
Q. Can I file a Second Appeal online?
Ans. Yes. The West Bengal Information Commission allows online filing of Second Appeals through its official portal at wbic.wb.gov.in. Supporting documents should be uploaded after self-attestation.
Q. When should I file a Second Appeal?
Ans. You may file a Second Appeal if you are not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority or if no order is passed within the prescribed period. Normally, the appeal should be filed within 90 days.
Q. Can I send an RTI application by email?
Ans. Yes. The West Bengal RTI Rules permit submission of RTI applications through email. However, the prescribed application fee must be paid separately through an approved payment mode, and the payment details should be mentioned in the email.
Q. What is the role of the West Bengal Information Commission?
Ans. The West Bengal Information Commission (WBIC) hears Second Appeals and complaints under the RTI Act. It also conducts hearings, issues final orders, and assists its Facilitation Desk.
Q. Can I attend a WBIC hearing without visiting Kolkata?
Ans. Yes. The Commission also conducts virtual hearings through online platforms and NIC Video Conferencing facilities, wherever available.
Q. Should I check Banglar Bhumi before filing an RTI for land records?
Ans. Yes. Many land records, including Khatian and Plot information, are already available on the Banglar Bhumi portal. If the required information is available online, filing an RTI may not be necessary.
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.