Table of Contents
Transparency isn’t a trend; it’s table stakes. This guide shows you exactly how to use the Right to Information (RTI) in Odisha—online and offline—to get answers from any public authority. Straight talk, zero fluff
Quick Overview
| Topic | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Official Portal | RTI Odisha Portal (file RTI/appeals, find office codes, check status). RTI Odisha+1 |
| Who can apply | Any Indian citizen. Time limits & penalties under the national RTI Act, 2005 apply. odishapolice.gov.in |
| Application fee | ₹10 (BPL applicants: no fee with BPL proof). First appeal ₹20, second appeal ₹25. Per-page copies ₹2 (A4/A3). RTI Odisha+1 |
| Timelines | PIO reply in 30 days (48 hours if it concerns life & liberty). FAA must dispose first appeal in 30 days (extendable to 45 with reasons). Second appeal within 90 days. India CodeOdisha MagazinesCentral Information Commission |
| Status Check | Use the portal’s Application/Appeal Status with your ID. RTI Odisha |
| Not this one | The Central RTI portal is for Union Govt bodies—don’t use it for Odisha state departments. RTI Online |
| Helpdesk | Phone: 0674-2391356 (portal help); Email: rti-ori@od.gov.in (as listed on the portal). RTI Odisha |
| Odisha Information Commission | Address: B-1 Block, Toshali Bhawan, Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar-751007 (SIC). RTI Odishasuchana.odisha.gov.in |
What is RTI in Odisha?
The Right to Information Act, 2005 lets you request information from any Odisha public authority—departments, districts, PSUs, universities, local bodies, etc.—and compels a response within statutory timelines. For life-and-liberty matters, information must be provided within 48 hours. odishapolice.gov.inIndia Code
Fees & Costs (Odisha)
- Application fee: ₹10
- First appeal: ₹20
- Second appeal: ₹25
- Copying charges: ₹2 per page (A4/A3); other formats at actual cost
- BPL applicants: Fee waived (attach BPL proof)
These are as per Odisha’s amended RTI Rules and the portal’s FAQs. RTI Odisha+1
Old PDFs may show earlier/other amounts—always trust the current portal FAQ/Rules for fees. Odisha Magazines
Deadlines that actually matter
- Standard RTI reply: within 30 days of receipt by the PIO.
- Life & liberty: within 48 hours (Section 7(1) proviso).
- First Appeal (FAA): decision within 30 days, extendable to 45 with written reasons.
- Second Appeal (SIC): file within 90 days of FAA decision or after 45 days if no FAA decision. India CodeOdisha MagazinesCentral Information Commission
How to File RTI Online in Odisha (Step-by-Step)
- Find your office: Use “Know Your Code” to locate the exact public authority/office. Note the office code. RTI Odisha
- Choose “Submit RTI Application/Appeal” on the Odisha RTI portal. Select Department → District → Office. RTI Odisha
- Fill Form-A precisely. Ask for existing records (not opinions). Mention time range, document names, file numbers, and format (PDF/scanned copies). RTI Odisha
- Attach proof if fee-exempt (BPL card). RTI Odisha
- Pay the fee (₹10). Modes depend on the authority as configured on the portal. Keep the Application/Appeal ID for tracking. RTI Odisha
- Track status on the portal with your ID (Application or Appeal). RTI Odisha
Don’t file on the Central portal (rtionline.gov.in) for Odisha state bodies; it’s meant for Central Ministries/Departments only. RTI Online
How to File RTI Offline in Odisha (If you prefer paper)
- Address Form-A to the Public Information Officer of the office.
- Attach ₹10 fee (Odisha commonly uses court-fee stamp/IPO/treasury challan depending on the authority; check the office manual/portal listing).
- Mark “Life & Liberty – 48 hours” prominently if applicable, with brief justification. CDNBBSRIndia Code
Check RTI Odisha Status (Applications & Appeals)
- Use “Check Your Application/Appeal Status” on the portal; enter your Application/Appeal ID.
- Keep the registered email/phone handy for updates. RTI Odisha
First Appeal (If the reply is missing or weak)
- File a First Appeal to the FAA of the same authority within 30 days of an unsatisfactory reply or when 30 days lapse without reply.
- Disposal: 30 days → extendable to 45 with reasons. Fee: ₹20 (BPL exempt). rotiodisha.nic.inOdisha MagazinesRTI Odisha
Second Appeal (If FAA doesn’t fix it)
- File a Second Appeal to the Odisha State Information Commission within 90 days of the FAA’s decision or after 45 days if the FAA didn’t decide.
- Odisha Information Commission address: B-1 Block, Toshali Bhawan, Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar-751007. Central Information CommissionRTI Odisha
What NOT to ask (common RTI mistakes)
- Hypotheticals/opinions (“why didn’t you…”), questions that require creating new data, broad fishing expeditions without timeframe, or exempt records (Section 8/9). Use RTI for specific, existing records. odishapolice.gov.in
Penalties (why authorities tend to respond)
If the PIO unreasonably delays/denies, the Commission can impose ₹250/day up to ₹25,000 and recommend disciplinary action under Section 20 of the RTI Act. Use your appeal rights; the law backs you. odishapolice.gov.in
Useful Contacts
- RTI Odisha Portal Help: 0674-2391356, rti-ori@od.gov.in (as listed on the portal) RTI Odisha
- Odisha Information Commission (Appeals/Complaints): B-1 Block, Toshali Bhawan, Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar-751007. RTI Odisha
Short Template (copy–paste into Form-A)
Subject: Request for information under RTI Act, 2005 (Odisha)
To
The Public Information Officer
[Office Name, Department, District, Office Code: XXXXX]
Details of information sought:
1) [Document name/file no./letter no.] for period [from–to]
2) [Specific record or register pages]
3) Provide copies in PDF via portal/email; physical copies only if required.
Time period: [e.g., 01-04-2022 to 31-03-2025]
Public interest (if any): [one line]
Fees: As per Odisha RTI Rules (₹10 enclosed/paid online). BPL [Yes/No] (proof attached).
Applicant:
Name:
Address:
Email/Mobile:
Place/Date:
FAQs (Odisha RTI)
1) What’s the fee to file RTI in Odisha?
₹10 per application. First appeal ₹20; second appeal ₹25. BPL applicants are fee-exempt (attach BPL card). RTI Odisha+1
2) How fast will I get a reply?
Within 30 days; 48 hours if it concerns life & liberty. India Code
3) Where do I check RTI status?
On the Odisha portal using your Application/Appeal ID. RTI Odisha
4) Can I use India’s central RTI site instead?
No. The Central portal is only for Union Govt bodies, not State authorities. Use Odisha’s portal for state departments. RTI Online
5) What if the PIO doesn’t respond?
File a First Appeal. FAA must decide in 30–45 days. Then a Second Appeal to the State Information Commission within 90 days.
