Karnataka RTI Under Sakala: Offline Applications Must Go Online in 2 Days — File at Grama One or Bengaluru One and Claim Compensation
Ever submitted an RTI application at a government office and worried whether it would actually reach the right official? Karnataka has introduced a new rule to make the process easier to track.
Under the state’s latest measures, RTI applications received on paper or by post must be entered on the online portal within two days. This registration has been brought under the Karnataka Sakala Services Act, 2011, making it a time-bound service.
The government has also expanded assisted online filing through Grama One, Bengaluru One and Karnataka One centres. Here’s how it works and what you can do if an application is delayed.
What Has Karnataka Changed?
The government announced two key measures in October 2026:
- Two-day online registration: Public authorities receiving physical RTI applications must register them on the online portal within two days of receipt.
- More filing centres: Citizens can submit RTI applications online with assistance at Grama One, Bengaluru One and Karnataka One centres.
Once registered, an applicant gets an online reference number and can track the application. The aim is to create a digital record even when the original application was submitted on paper.
The measures were announced by the state’s Public Services Department and reported on 18 October 2026. (Source: India Today)
Where Can You File an RTI Application?
You now have three practical options.
1. Apply online yourself
Visit the official Karnataka RTI Online Portal.
Follow the instructions to select the relevant public authority, describe the information you need and pay the applicable fee. Save your acknowledgement and reference number.
2. Visit Grama One
If you live in a village or find online applications difficult, visit your nearest Grama One centre. Staff can help you submit the application through the online system.
3. Visit Bengaluru One or Karnataka One
Residents in urban areas can use Bengaluru One or Karnataka One centres for assisted online filing.
The prescribed RTI application fee and a nominal service charge may apply. Ask for the receipt and online acknowledgement before leaving.
What If You Submit Your RTI on Paper?
You can still submit an RTI application in person or by post to the appropriate public authority.
Under the new measure, the receiving authority must enter it on the RTI portal within two days of receiving it.
Keep proof of submission, such as a stamped acknowledgement or postal delivery record. If you do not receive an online reference number within the stipulated period, contact the receiving office and ask for the registration status.
If the responsible authority fails to register the application on time, you may seek compensation under the Sakala framework.
Important: The two-day deadline is for online registration. It is not the deadline for the department to provide the information requested under the RTI Act.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The state has announced revised Sakala compensation limits for delays in guaranteed services. Reported slabs are:
| Delay | Maximum reported compensation |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 days | ₹100 |
| Up to 10 days | ₹300 |
| Up to 15 days | ₹600 |
| Up to 20 days | ₹1,000 |
| Up to 25 days | ₹1,500 |
The maximum compensation has increased from ₹500 to ₹1,500 under the revised framework, according to reports on the government’s order. The amount applicable to your case depends on the relevant service rules and delay.
The government has also said that applicants may be eligible for compensation when an application is rejected without valid grounds. The exact route and conditions should be confirmed with the relevant Sakala authority.
How to Raise a Complaint About a Delayed RTI Registration
If your paper application has not been registered online within two days:
- Keep your original application and proof of receipt.
- Contact the public authority that accepted it and request the online registration number.
- Record the date of submission and any response from the office.
- Ask the relevant Sakala officer or designated authority how to file a compensation claim for failure to deliver the guaranteed service.
- Keep the complaint acknowledgement and follow the instructions given by the authority.
For questions about the information requested in your RTI, remember that the RTI Act has its own response deadlines and appeal procedure. A delay in uploading your application and a delay in providing the requested information are separate issues.
Why Does This Matter?
The change connects paper applications to a digital tracking system. That means applicants can more easily establish when a request was received, whether it was registered and which public authority is handling it.
It also gives citizens who do not have reliable internet access another way to use the online RTI system, through local service centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still submit a handwritten RTI application?
Yes. Physical applications submitted in person or by post must be registered online by the receiving public authority within two days.
Can I file an RTI at Grama One?
Yes. Assisted online filing has been extended to Grama One, Bengaluru One and Karnataka One centres.
Does the government have to provide the information within two days?
No. Two days is the registration deadline for a physical application. The time allowed to respond to an RTI request is governed separately by the RTI Act.
Can I automatically receive ₹1,500 if the office delays?
No. Compensation depends on the applicable Sakala provisions, the length and nature of the delay, and the claim process. The ₹1,500 figure is the reported maximum, not an automatic payment for every delay.
Official links
Bottom line: Whether you file online, at a service centre or on paper, keep proof of submission. If a physical RTI application is not registered online within two days, follow up with the receiving authority and ask about the Sakala compensation procedure.
Information checked on 28 October 2026, based on government announcements reported in October. Confirm the latest compensation procedure and applicable service conditions with the relevant Karnataka authority.