Maharashtra notified new RTI Rules on 12 June 2026. An RTI application still costs ₹30, copies cost ₹5 a page, and BPL applicants pay nothing. But now one application can cover only one subject in about 150 words, and you must attach self-attested photo ID. First appeal costs ₹50 and second appeal ₹100.
Updated 2 November 2026
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official portal | RTI Online Maharashtra |
| Helpline | Help and FAQ section on the RTI Online portal; the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the office concerned |
| Fee | ₹30 application; ₹5 per A4 page; first appeal ₹50; second appeal ₹100; BPL exempt (with certificate) |
| Deadline | PIO must reply within 30 days; first appeal within 30 days of reply or deemed refusal |
| Documents | Application on plain paper (Annexure A format), self-attested photo ID, fee proof, BPL certificate if claiming exemption |
| Rules in force | Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026 (notified 12 June 2026) |
| Related posts | RTI first appeal online, Aaple Sarkar grievance portal |
What changed with the Maharashtra RTI Rules 2026?
The new rules replace Maharashtra's older RTI rules and came into force on the date of publication in the Gazette, 12 June 2026. Most people only find out when their application comes back. So here's what's new or now written down clearly:
• One subject per application. If you ask about several subjects, only the first one will be answered
• About 150 words. The request should normally be within 150 words
• Photo ID is a must. A self-attested copy of a photo identity proof has to be attached, or the application can be returned
• Repeat questions can be closed. If you've already asked the same thing and got a reply, a repeat request can be disposed of
• Online info. If the information is already on an official website, the PIO can tell you where to find it
• Email replies count. A reply sent by email is valid
• Video hearings. The State Information Commission can hold second appeal hearings by video conference
Which offices can I file an RTI with under these rules?
These rules apply to Maharashtra state government offices and bodies under the state: Mantralaya departments, collectorates, tehsil and taluka offices, zilla parishads, gram panchayats, municipal corporations like BMC, Pune and Nagpur, state boards and corporations, police stations and government hospitals and colleges. For central government offices in Maharashtra, like the post office, railways, EPFO or central universities, the central RTI rules apply, and you file on the central RTI portal instead.
How much does RTI cost in Maharashtra now?
| What you pay for | Fee |
|---|---|
| RTI application | ₹30 |
| Photocopy, A4 page | ₹5 per page |
| Scanned or digital copy | ₹5 per page |
| Inspection of records | First hour free, then ₹50 per hour |
| Postage | ₹50 or actual cost |
| First appeal | ₹50 |
| Second appeal | ₹100 |
BPL applicants don't pay the application fee or copy charges if they attach a copy of the BPL certificate. But if the information runs into a huge number of pages, only the first 50 pages are free and the rest are charged.
You can pay by cash (take a receipt), court fee stamp, demand draft, banker's cheque, Indian Postal Order, or into the treasury under the RTI head. For online applications, pay by net banking, card or UPI on the portal.
How do I file an RTI online in Maharashtra, step by step?
1. Go to rtionline.maharashtra.gov.in.
2. Register with your name, mobile and email, then log in.
3. Choose Submit Request and pick the department and public authority. Choose carefully; a wrong office means delays.
4. Write your request. One subject, short and clear, within about 150 words.
5. Upload your self-attested photo ID. Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, driving licence or passport works. Hide the Aadhaar number partly if you like.
6. BPL? Tick the option and upload your BPL certificate.
7. Pay ₹30 by net banking, card or UPI.
8. Save the registration number and the acknowledgement PDF.
9. Track the status using that number. Replies can come by email or post.
How do I file an RTI on paper?
Write on plain paper in the Annexure A format: your name, address, the public authority, the information you want, and whether you're BPL. Attach the ₹30 fee (court fee stamp is easiest in many offices) and your self-attested photo ID. Hand it in at the office's inward section and get a stamped acknowledgement, or send it by speed post.
How should I write the question so it isn't rejected?
Ask for records, not opinions. "Why hasn't the road been repaired?" invites a non-answer. Better:
• "Please give certified copies of the work order, estimate and completion certificate for the road from X to Y in Ward 12, for 2025-26"
• "Please give the daily progress report of my ration card application number ___ dated ___"
Keep one subject. If you need three unrelated things, file three applications. It costs ₹90, but you'll actually get all three answers.
What if I don't get a reply or I'm unhappy with it?
First appeal (₹50). File within 30 days of the reply, or of the 30-day deadline if no reply came. Use the Annexure B format and attach a copy of your RTI and the reply. It goes to the First Appellate Authority in the same office. You can file first appeals online on the portal too. Our RTI first appeal guide walks through it.
Second appeal (₹100). If the first appeal fails, approach the Maharashtra State Information Commission in the Annexure C format with copies of everything. If your appeal is defective, it can be returned, and you get 15 days to fix and refile. Hearings can happen over video conference. For central government offices, see our CIC second appeal guide.
Real-life examples
A Pune resident checking road work. Rahul files one online RTI for the road contract papers in his ward, uploads his voter ID, pays ₹30 by UPI, and gets the documents by email in 26 days.
A farmer in Latur, BPL. Shalan Tai files a paper RTI at the tehsil office for her land record mutation status. She attaches her BPL card copy and pays nothing.
A Nagpur student whose RTI came back. He asked five unrelated questions about his college in one application without ID. It got returned. He refiles three separate applications with ID and gets answers.
Documents checklist
☐ RTI application in Annexure A format, one subject, about 150 words
☐ Self-attested photo ID copy
☐ ₹30 fee proof (receipt, stamp, DD, IPO or online payment)
☐ BPL certificate copy, if claiming exemption
☐ Acknowledgement or registration number saved
☐ Copies of RTI and reply for any appeal
Final reminder
Before you file, check if the information is already on the department's website. If not, keep it to one subject, attach your photo ID, and save the acknowledgement. Track the 30-day clock and file the first appeal on time. To ask your MLA or MP about a stuck reply, find them on NetaSampark's Maharashtra page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the RTI fee in Maharashtra in 2026?
₹30 for the application and ₹5 per A4 page for copies, under the Maharashtra RTI Rules 2026.
Is ID proof needed for RTI in Maharashtra?
Yes. The new rules require a self-attested copy of photo identity proof with the application.
Can I ask many questions in one RTI?
Only on one subject. If there are multiple subjects, only the first one will be answered.
What is the first appeal fee in Maharashtra?
₹50, filed in the Annexure B format with copies of your RTI and the reply.
Do BPL citizens pay RTI fees?
No, if they attach a BPL certificate copy. For very bulky replies, only the first 50 pages are free.
Is an email reply to RTI valid?
Yes. The rules treat a reply by email as valid.
Sources
• Maharashtra Right to Information Rules, 2026 (Gazette PDF on RTI Online)
• RTI Online Maharashtra portal
• Maharashtra State Information Commission
• Department of Personnel and Training (RTI Act, 2005 nodal ministry)