Guidelines on Filing an RTI Against IGNOU

Finding Information Through RTI Understanding IGNOU's Function under RTI Act 2005 Submitting Your RTI Request Steps to Follow for Filing an RTI Against IGNOU Following Up on Your RTI Application

RTI, or the Right to Information Act 2005, is a powerful tool that empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, including universities like IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). This article will guide you through the process of filing an RTI against IGNOU, ensuring that your request is effective and properly followed up upon.

Finding Information Through RTI

Under the RTI Act 2005, any citizen can seek certain information or documents from a public office. IGNOU, as an educational institution under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), is obligated to comply with RTI requests concerning matters under its jurisdiction.

Understanding IGNOU's Function under RTI Act 2005

To file an RTI against IGNOU, you need to first identify which Ministry it functions under. In the case of IGNOU, it operates under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

The RTI Act 2005 outlines the steps to submit an RTI request and the responsibilities of the public authority to respond to the inquiry. By understanding this, you can better prepare your application and be more confident in the process.

Submitting Your RTI Request

There are two primary methods for submitting an RTI request against IGNOU:

Offline Submission:
Send your RTI application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) at IGNOU, New Delhi. You can do this by visiting the office or mailing the application. The fee for registration is Rs. 10, and an additional Rs. 10 is charged for photocopy and CD services, payable via postal order or demand draft. Online Submission:
Visit the Department of Personnel and Training (DOP T) RTI online portal to submit your application electronically. Follow these steps:

Online Submission Steps:

Visit the official RTI portal. Fill in the User Registration Form. Login and enter the Activation Key. Submit your request.

It is advisable to consult an RTI expert or an RTI activist panel to ensure your application is complete and effective.

Following Up on Your RTI Application

Once your RTI application is submitted, the relevant authority is liable to respond within 15 days. If no response is received, you can file a First Appeal addressing the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO) of IGNOU. If the appeal is not satisfied, you can proceed to file a Second Appeal to the State Commission.

If the first appeal is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can file a Second Appeal. The Final Appeal is to the Appellate Authority (FAA) if the State Commission does not provide a satisfactory response.

Alternatively, you can seek the help of an effective RTI activist panel to ensure a well-informed follow-up process and a higher chance of receiving a positive response.