Right to Information ACT
Right to Information Act
Right to Information Act, 2005
Right to Information Act
The Right to Information Act provides a practical framework for citizens to access information held by public authorities. Its objectives include promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of government officials, establishing the Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions, and addressing related and incidental matters.
Definition of Information
“Information” means any material in any form, including records, documents, memoranda, emails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, and data material held in electronic form. It also includes information relating to any private body that a public authority can access under any other law currently in force.
Application for Obtaining Information
A person seeking information must submit an application in writing or through electronic means, in English or Malayalam, along with an application fee of ₹10. The application should be submitted to the Public Information Officer or Assistant Public Information Officer.
Applicants below the poverty line are completely exempt from paying the application fee upon submission of valid proof. They are also exempt from additional charges for obtaining information. To claim the fee exemption, the applicant must submit a certificate issued by the Block Development Officer (BDO).
Disposal of Applications
Upon receiving an application, the requested information must be provided as quickly as possible and, in any case, within 30 days of receipt, subject to payment of the prescribed fee. Alternatively, the application may be rejected for any of the reasons specified in Sections 8 and 9 of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
If the information requested concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be provided within 48 hours of receipt of the application.
The reply must also clearly state the name and address of the Appellate Authority.
Fee Details
If Records Are Not Available
If records cannot be found even after a reasonable search, or if their retention period has expired, or if the records no longer exist, the applicant must be informed that the requested information cannot be provided, with valid reasons clearly stated. Decisions made in good faith in such circumstances are protected by law. If the information cannot be provided, any fee collected from the applicant must be refunded.
Information on Development Projects
Information relating to the implementation of development projects must be displayed transparently and clearly at the project site. Technical and financial information must be published along with the relevant administrative proceedings, following the applicable transparency guidelines. Administrative information and meeting proceedings relating to the Grama Sabha, local self-government institution and transferred institutions must also be published in a manner accessible to the public.
Right to Information Officers
STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
State Public Information Officer
Secretary
Kadungalloor Grama Panchayat
Muppathadam, Muppathadam P.O.
Aluva, Ernakulam District
PIN: 683110
ASSISTANT STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Assistant State Public Information Officer
Junior Superintendent
Kadungalloor Grama Panchayat
Muppathadam, Muppathadam P.O.
Aluva, Ernakulam District
PIN: 683110
Appellate Authorities
FIRST APPELLATE AUTHORITY
First Appellate Authority
Panchayat Assistant Director
Office of the Assistant Director
Local Self-Government Department
Civil Station, Thrikkakara P.O.
Kakkanad, Ernakulam District
PIN: 682030
SECOND APPELLATE AUTHORITY
Second Appellate Authority
Chief Information Commissioner
Office of the Chief Information Commissioner
TC-26/298, Punnan Road
Thiruvananthapuram District
PIN: 695001
