Avani_activist

Generally first time applicants of RTI tend to make some minor errors. But these errors create lot of apprehension in the mind of the applicant of whether or not he will get a reply. First of all, we must understand that minor errors are not a problem at all. Some more issues which should not be feared are :

1. You do not know the exact format - It is not important to have an EXACT format at all. The information asked by you has to be present as a list of questions. It has to be legible. You should pay initial fee, thats it !

2. Whether I have framed questions properly ? - Well, you will improve with the first RTI reply and experience. Don't worry

3. What all should be attached ? : Nothing except Postal Order !! .. You are the applicant not the Public Information Officer so you do not need to supply a lot of information. Ofcourse in case of first appeal, you should attach a copy of your RTI as well as copy of any acknowledgment / reply received from them.

Let us list some such errors and see their solution :

1. I paid RTI fee but came to know later that RTI fee in my state is Rs 20, which means I have paid less. Will my RTI be accepted ?

Solution : IF you by chance forget to attach fee and have sent your RTI Application just a few days ago, just send a followup letter apologizing for the error and requesting them to attach your postal order with your RTI dated dd/mm/yy. Remember to attach Postal Order with this letter. Similarly in case of less fee paid, write a letter with additional Postal order attached and request them to add this postal order to your RTI Application.

2. I wanted to add some more questions, but I have posted the RTI

Solution : You can draft a similar RTI again. No need to have all questions in the same application. In case of the first RTI infact it is generally better not to have too many questions. Learn from the reply and decide to file more later.

3. I don't know the First Appellate Authority. Where should I post my First Appeal

Solution : BEst would be to visit the site of the concerned department and find the First Appelate Authority under RTI ACt. IF you do not find it there and Public Information Officer hasn't mentioned it in his reply, file an RTI to Public Information Officer asking for the same. IF this also does not work out, use the same address as PIOs and just change the designation to "First Appellate Authority under RTI Act".

4. I made my application in English but they have replied in regional language. But I cant understand tehe regional language

Solution : Read the RTI Act carefully and you will find that information has to be provided in the language it is asked for. Obviously you should not use language of another state or country but you can use :

English / Regional language

As per the RTI Act, they have to reply in the same language as was used by the applicant.

There can be similar such issues which you will encounter with your RTI Applications. But remember, every such error will act as an experience and will make you more proficient .. So, errors are not a problem !