Quick Overview

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—and compels a response within statutory timelines. For matters of life & liberty, information must be given within 48 hours.

Fees & Costs (Odisha)

• Application fee: ₹10
• First appeal: ₹20
• Second appeal: ₹25
• Copying: ₹2 per A4/A3 page; other formats at actual cost
• BPL: Fee waived (attach BPL proof)

Note: Older PDFs sometimes show historical amounts; rely on the current portal listings and rules.

Timelines that actually matter

• Standard RTI reply: within 30 days of receipt by the PIO
• Life & liberty: within 48 hours
• 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 FAA doesn’t decide

How to File ଅନଲାଇନ୍ RTI in Odisha (Step-by-Step)

1. Find your office: Use “Know Your Code” on the RTI Odisha portal to identify the exact public authority/office (note the office code).
2. Open “Submit RTI Application/Appeal”: Choose Department → District → Office.
3. Fill Form-A precisely: Ask for existing records (not opinions). Specify document names, file numbers, date ranges, and request digital copies (PDF).
4. Attach BPL proof if fee-exempt.
5. Pay the fee: ₹10; save your Application/Appeal ID.
6. Track status: Use your ID on the portal’s status page.

Do not use the Central RTI portal for Odisha state departments.

How to File RTI ଅଫଲାଇନ୍ in Odisha

• Address Form-A to the Public Information Officer of the office.
• Attach ₹10 fee (as per the office’s accepted mode—court-fee stamp / treasury challan / as notified).
• For life & liberty, write that on top with a one-line justification.

Check RTI Odisha Status (Applications & Appeals)

Use the portal’s “Check Your Application/Appeal Status” with your Application/Appeal ID.

Appeals that work (First & Second)

First Appeal (FAA)

File to the First Appellate Authority (same office) within 30 days of an unsatisfactory reply—or after 30 days if no reply. Disposal in 30 days (extendable to 45 with reasons). Fee: ₹20 (BPL waived).

Second Appeal (SIC)

If the FAA doesn’t fix it, file a Second Appeal to the Odisha Information Commission within 90 days of FAA decision (or after 45 days if FAA is silent).

Penalties (why authorities usually respond)

For unreasonable delay or denial, the Commission may impose penalties up to ₹25,000 on the PIO and recommend disciplinary action (Section 20). Use your appeal rights; the law backs you.

Copy-ready Templates

RTI Application (Form-A style)

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/file/letter no.] for period [from–to]
2) [Specific register pages / orders / memos]
3) Provide copies in PDF via portal/email; physical copies only if necessary.

Time period: [e.g., 01-04-2022 to 31-03-2025]
Public interest (if any): [one line]

Fees: As per Odisha RTI Rules (₹10 paid online / enclosed). BPL [Yes/No] (proof attached).

Applicant:
Name:
Address:
Email/Mobile:
Place/Date:
    

First Appeal

Subject: First Appeal under Section 19(1), RTI Act, 2005

To
The First Appellate Authority (FAA)
[Office Name, Department, District, Office Code: XXXXX]

I filed RTI Application ID [ID] dated [date] to the PIO of [office].
Grounds of appeal:
1) No response within 30 days / incomplete information / irrelevant denial.
2) [Brief reasons; cite sections if needed]

Relief sought:
- Direction to PIO to provide complete information free of cost u/s 7(6)
- Any other appropriate order

Fee: ₹20 (BPL exempt; proof attached)
Date/Signature
    

Second Appeal

Subject: Second Appeal under Section 19(3), RTI Act, 2005

To
The Registrar, Odisha Information Commission
Block B-1, Toshali Bhawan, Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar-751007

Against: Order of FAA dated [date] in First Appeal No. [number] / No order within 45 days
Grounds:
1) [Summarize PIO/FAA failure]
2) [Why information is not hit by exemptions]

Relief sought:
- Direction to furnish information
- Penalty u/s 20, if Commission deems fit
- Any other order

Enclosures: Copies of RTI application, PIO reply (if any), First Appeal & order (if any), proofs
Date/Signature
    

FAQs (Odisha RTI)

Useful Contacts

• RTI Odisha Portal Help: 0674-2391356, rti-ori@nic.in
• Odisha Information Commission: Block B-1, Toshali Bhawan, Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar-751007