The Rajasthan Information Commission (RIC) was established on April 18, 2006, under the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005. It is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act in Rajasthan and acts as the final appellate authority for RTI-related matters in the state.
Role & Responsibilities of RIC
The RIC primarily functions to:
- Hear second appeals under the RTI Act, 2005.
- Ensure transparent and accountable governance in Rajasthan.
- Oversee the performance of Public Information Officers (PIOs).
- Take action against officers failing to provide information.
- Promote awareness about the RTI Act among citizens.
Key Features of Rajasthan Information Commission
a) Weekly Case List
- The RIC provides a weekly list of cases scheduled for hearing.
- Citizens can track their appeals or complaints through the official website.
b) Public Information Officers (PIO) & First Appellate Authorities (FAA)
- The commission maintains a directory of PIOs and FAAs.
- Applicants can file RTI requests with the relevant PIO.
- If unsatisfied, they can appeal to the FAA before approaching the RIC.
c) Appeal and Complaint Decisions
- The RIC publishes decisions on RTI appeals and complaints.
- Previous case rulings are available for public reference.
d) Supreme Court & High Court Rulings on RTI
- The website includes important court rulings related to the RTI Act.
e) Annual Reports
- The commission releases an annual report on RTI implementation in Rajasthan.
f) Details of Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) & Information Commissioners
- The website provides details of current and past Commissioners.
- The Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) leads the commission.
How to File an RTI in Rajasthan?
a) Application Process
- The RTI request must be written or submitted electronically.
- It should include:
- Applicant’s name, address, and contact details.
- Specific details of the information required.
- Application fee of ₹10, payable via cash, demand draft, postal order, or banker’s cheque.
b) Response Time
- Within 30 days of submission.
- If information concerns life or liberty, response is required within 48 hours.
c) Filing an Appeal
If the requested information is denied or delayed, applicants can:
- File a first appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA) within 30 days.
- If unsatisfied, file a second appeal with the Rajasthan Information Commission within 90 days.
FAQs
What is the time frame to receive the requested information?
- Standard Request: Information should be provided within 30 days from the date of application.
- Life or Liberty Cases: If the information concerns the applicant’s life or liberty, it must be provided within 48 hours.
- Third-Party Information: When involving third-party data, the time limit extends to 40 days.
Who are the appellate authorities under the RTI Act?
- First Appeal: If unsatisfied with the response from the Public Information Officer (PIO), you can file a first appeal to the officer senior in rank to the PIO in the concerned department.
- Second Appeal: If still aggrieved, a second appeal can be filed with the Rajasthan Information Commission