How to File an RTI in Bihar: Call 155311 or Apply Online on Jaankari — ₹10 Fee, BPL Exemption and First Appeal
Want to know why your government benefit is delayed, how public money was spent, or what action a government department has taken on your application? You can request official records under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
Bihar residents can submit RTI applications through the state government's Jaankari portal or seek assistance by telephone. The standard application fee is ₹10, while eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) applicants can claim exemption by providing valid proof.
Bihar RTI: Important Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable law | Right to Information Act, 2005 |
| Online portal | Jaankari Bihar |
| RTI application helpline | 155311 |
| Enquiry helpline | 155310 |
| Standard application fee | ₹10 |
| Eligible BPL applicants | Application fee exempt with valid proof |
| Normal response period | 30 days |
| First appeal | Available for delayed or unsatisfactory responses |
| Second appeal | Bihar Information Commission, where applicable |
How to File an RTI Online in Bihar
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Open Jaankari Bihar and look for the RTI application service.
Step 2: Select the department
Choose the Bihar government department or public authority that holds the information you need.
Step 3: Write your application clearly
Ask for specific information available in official records. For example:
- What is the current status of my pension application submitted on a specified date?
- Provide copies of the sanction order and expenditure records for a particular public project.
- Provide a copy of the recorded order rejecting my application.
- Provide the number of applications approved under a specified government scheme during a defined period.
Keep your questions brief and specific. Request documents, reports, orders or existing records rather than asking broad questions.
Step 4: Pay the application fee
Pay the prescribed ₹10 fee using the payment options displayed on the portal. Eligible BPL applicants should follow the portal's instructions for submitting proof and claiming the exemption.
Step 5: Save your acknowledgement
After submitting the application, save your reference number and acknowledgement. You will need these details to track the application or file an appeal.
Can You File an RTI by Calling 155311?
Bihar's Jaankari Facilitation Centre provides telephone assistance for RTI applications.
| Helpline | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 155311 | RTI application assistance and filing |
| 155310 | RTI-related enquiries |
The published Jaankari contact information lists service hours as Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Call charges may apply, so check the current tariff before calling.
You can also submit an application online through Jaankari Bihar.
What Is the RTI Fee in Bihar?
The standard RTI application fee is ₹10. Eligible BPL applicants are exempt from the application fee when they provide the required proof.
| Applicant | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Standard applicant | ₹10 |
| Eligible BPL applicant with valid proof | Exempt |
Additional charges may apply for photocopies or other permitted forms of information. Check the applicable rules and any official fee notice before paying.
How Long Does the Government Have to Reply?
Under the RTI Act, the normal response deadline is 30 days from receipt of the application. Requests concerning a person's life or liberty have a shorter statutory deadline of 48 hours, subject to the Act's requirements.
If you receive no reply within the applicable period, or the information supplied is incomplete or unsatisfactory, you can consider filing a First Appeal.
How to File a First Appeal
A First Appeal is submitted to the designated First Appellate Authority, which is senior to the Public Information Officer.
- Visit the Jaankari portal.
- Select the First Appeal option, if available.
- Enter the details of your original RTI application.
- Explain whether the reply is delayed, incomplete or unsatisfactory.
- Attach your original application, acknowledgement and reply, if available.
- Submit the appeal and save its reference number.
Under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act, the usual deadline is 30 days from the expiry of the response period or receipt of the decision, as applicable. A delayed appeal may be admitted if sufficient cause is shown.
The First Appellate Authority ordinarily decides the appeal within 30 days. This may be extended to 45 days for reasons recorded in writing. Check the applicable Bihar rules and portal instructions for the current filing procedure and any fee.
When Can You Approach the Bihar Information Commission?
If the First Appeal does not resolve the matter, you may be able to file a Second Appeal before the Bihar Information Commission under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act.
A Second Appeal is generally due within 90 days from the date the decision should have been made or was actually received, as applicable. A delayed appeal may be admitted if sufficient cause is established.
Official website: Bihar Information Commission
Keep copies of your original application, acknowledgement, Public Information Officer's reply, First Appeal and appellate order. These records will help support your Second Appeal.
How to Track Your RTI Application
You can check your application status online.
- Visit the Jaankari portal.
- Find the application-status or tracking service.
- Enter the requested reference details.
- Complete any verification required by the portal.
- Review the displayed status and action taken.
If the portal's tracking link or process changes, use the official Jaankari homepage to locate the latest service.
What Information Can You Request Under RTI?
You can request existing information held by a public authority, subject to exemptions under the RTI Act.
| Issue | Example of an RTI request |
|---|---|
| Delayed pension | Application status and copies of recorded decisions |
| Public works | Sanctioned budget, expenditure details and completion reports |
| Recruitment | Applicable rules, published notices and selection records, subject to exemptions |
| Government benefits | Application status and copies of relevant orders |
| Local administration | Copies of official orders, reports or meeting minutes |
RTI provides access to records. It does not replace a grievance process, and officials are generally not required to create new information or provide explanations that do not exist in official records.
Bihar RTI vs Central Government RTI
Choose the portal according to the authority that holds the information.
- Bihar state government departments: Jaankari Bihar
- Central government public authorities: RTI Online
Using the correct portal helps prevent your request from being sent to the wrong authority.
Official Links and Helplines
- Jaankari RTI portal: jaankari.bihar.gov.in
- Application helpline: 155311
- Enquiry helpline: 155310
- Bihar Information Commission: sic.bihar.gov.in
- Central government RTI portal: rtionline.gov.in
For the latest application procedure, fee rules and contact details, refer to the official websites.
Final Takeaway
Bihar residents can seek government records through the Jaankari RTI portal or call 155311 for application assistance. The standard application fee is ₹10, eligible BPL applicants can claim an exemption with valid proof, and the normal response deadline is 30 days.
If the response is delayed or unsatisfactory, consider filing a First Appeal and, where appropriate, approaching the Bihar Information Commission. Keep your acknowledgement and appeal reference numbers safe, and rely on official portals for the latest instructions.