Fees under RTI Act

The RTI Act prescribes nominal fees for filing applications and appeals. BPL (Below Poverty Line) certificate holders are exempt from all fees.

Fee Structure for Central Government

Methods of Payment

For Central Government RTI Applications:

• Online (rtionline.gov.in): Net banking, credit/debit card, UPI
• Indian Postal Order (IPO): Payable to "Pay & Accounts Officer" of the concerned ministry
• Bank Demand Draft (DD): Payable to the concerned authority
• Cash: When submitting in person at PIO's office (receive receipt)
• Court Fee Stamp: Affix on application (for some states)

BPL Exemption

Applicants holding Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate are exempt from:

• RTI application fee (₹10)
• Second Appeal fee (₹50)
• Photocopy charges for up to limited pages (varies by authority)

How to claim: Attach a self-attested copy of BPL card/certificate with the RTI application.

Additional Information Fees

If the information sought requires providing documents/photocopies, the PIO will calculate additional fees and inform you. You must pay before receiving information.

Examples of Additional Charges:

• Photocopy of A4 page: ₹2 per page
• Printed document in booklet form: Actual cost
• Maps/plans: Actual cost of reproduction
• Floppy/Diskette/CD: ₹5 per unit
• Sample of material: Actual cost
• Inspection of records: ₹50 per hour or part thereof

State Government RTI Fees

State governments have their own fee structures, generally similar to central government but may vary:

• Maharashtra: ₹10 for application, ₹2 per page for A4
• Karnataka: ₹10 for application
• Tamil Nadu: ₹10 for application
• Delhi: ₹10 for application, ₹2 per page
• West Bengal: ₹10 for application

Check respective State Information Commission website for exact fees.

Fee Refund

If information is not provided or application is rejected, the PIO must refund the application fee (₹10). Additional fees paid for information may also be refundable in some cases.

Excessive Fees

If the PIO charges excessive fees, you can:

• File First Appeal against the fee demand
• Information Commission can reduce or waive fees
• Penalty can be imposed on PIO for arbitrary fee demands