1. I am sharing certain issues raised by me with the DoPT on facilitating filing of RTI applications under RTIA 2005 and the response of DoPT:

A. Internet as a tool has a potential to create awareness and facilitate provision of information under the RTIA 2005. Has DoPT issued any instructions to Central Government Ministries and Departments on maintaining a website and providing a link to RTI related information on the home page? Has the location of the link on the homepage and logo been specified?

No.

B. DoPT Guidelines on RTI on the subject of Suo Motu Disclosure asks every public authority to provide as much information to the public through various means of communications including a website. Has DoPT specified any baseline information and format to facilitate easy access to this information? For example subject “ how to file a RTI application with this authority” should be a baseline requirement.

No format is prescribed under the Act. However section 6(1) of the Act specifies information to be sought.

C. As per Section 6(1) of the RTIA a citizen can make a request “in writing or through electronic means ….”. Has the DoPT under Section 26(3)(b) of RTIA 2005 asked all public authorities to provision for and make available Fax numbers and email ID of PIOs/CPIOs and Appellate authorities to receive request for information and appeals through electronic means?

Under sec4(1)(b)(ix) all public authorities need to display a directory of its officers and employees.

D. Has DoPT issued any instructions to Public Authorities on the following:

a) To maintain an accessible database of all RTI queries answered by them so as to avoid repeated queries on the same subject?

b) To establish a system on their websites by which applicants track receipt of their applications and action taken on them?

No.

E. Has DoPT compiled and circulated any Best Practices amongst the Public Authorities to improve the implementation of the RTIA?

No.

2. Those in agreement may please raise these issues through mediums available to them. I feel these will simplify filing of RTI applications. Thank you.