Right to Information Wiki

The working reference for India's Right to Information Act, 2005.

User Tools

Site Tools

You are here: RTI Wiki — The working reference for the Right to Information Act, 2005 » RTI Query Builder — drafting templates for common subjects
rti-query-builder
Translate:
no way to compare when less than two revisions

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.


—rti-query-builder [2026/04/20 01:22] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
Line 1: Line 1:
 +====== RTI Query Builder — drafting templates for common subjects ======
 +
 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(RTI query builder, RTI drafting tool, RTI sample queries, how to draft RTI questions, RTI application format queries, DPDP-proof RTI drafting, rti right to information india)
 +metatag-description=(Copy-paste RTI query templates for the most-asked subjects — service records, tenders, file notings, vigilance complaints, policy files. Tuned for the post-14 November 2025 DPDP framework.)}}
 +
 +{{page>snippets:dpdp-banner}}
 +
 +<WRAP center round didyouknow 95%>
 +**Did you know?** The single biggest cause of RTI rejections is **vague drafting**, not statutory bars. The query patterns below are phrased the way Public Information Officers cannot easily refuse — specific record, named file, fixed period, one request per sub-paragraph.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +<WRAP center round info 95%>
 +**In one line.** Pick a category, copy the query, paste it into [[:file-rti-online-india|the online filing portal]] or the [[templates:first-rti|first-RTI template]]. Replace bracketed placeholders with your specifics.
 +
 +**What that means in practice.**
 +  * Ask for **documents**, not explanations.
 +  * Name the **file number**, the **date**, and the **period**.
 +  * **One request per sub-paragraph**. Number them 1, 2, 3.
 +  * For personal-data matters post-14 November 2025, frame around **your own record** or plead **Section 8(2) public interest** up front.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +//Copy-paste drafting templates for the twelve most-filed RTI subjects. Tuned for the current post-14 November 2025 DPDP Rules, 2025 landscape. Each template is written to survive the usual Section 8(1)(j), 8(1)(h), and 7(9) objections. Paste into the Central portal at [[:rtionline-gov-in|rtionline.gov.in]] or into the [[templates:first-rti|first-RTI template]] for an offline filing.//
 +
 +===== How to use this page =====
 +
 +  - Find your subject in the categories below.
 +  - Copy the numbered query block as-is.
 +  - Replace anything in `[square brackets]` with your actual details (file number, date, etc.).
 +  - Paste into the portal's application text box or the printable first-RTI template.
 +  - File and wait thirty days.
 +
 +If a category is missing, read [[:why-rti-gets-rejected|Why RTI Applications Get Rejected]] for the drafting rules that apply to any subject.
 +
 +===== Service records and personnel =====
 +
 +==== 1. Your own service record ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Certified copy of every order, notification, and memorandum relating to
 +   my appointment, confirmation, posting, promotion, and pay fixation
 +   between [start date] and [end date], maintained in the personal file
 +   number [file number or UID].
 +
 +2. Certified copy of every Annual Performance Appraisal Report communicated
 +   to me in the above period.
 +
 +3. The current index of the personal file and the list of documents
 +   placed on it.
 +
 +The information relates to my own service record; Section 8(1)(j)
 +does not arise.
 +</code>
 +
 +==== 2. Disciplinary proceeding against you ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Certified copy of the charge memorandum issued to me vide [reference
 +   number] dated [date], with its annexures I, II, III, and IV.
 +
 +2. Certified copy of the Inquiry Officer's appointment order and any
 +   subsequent substitutions.
 +
 +3. The list of documents relied upon by the Disciplinary Authority in
 +   framing the charge.
 +
 +4. Copies of my written statement of defence as received and placed on file.
 +
 +I clarify that I am not seeking the investigating officer's notes or the
 +preliminary enquiry report. Should the Public Information Officer maintain
 +that any item is exempt, I invoke Section 8(2) — disclosure of my own
 +disciplinary record is in the public interest in the governance of a
 +public servant.
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Tenders, contracts, and procurement =====
 +
 +==== 3. A specific tender ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Certified copy of the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) for tender number
 +   [tender reference] dated [date] issued by [department/office].
 +
 +2. Certified copy of the bid evaluation minutes and the evaluation matrix.
 +
 +3. Certified copy of the letter of acceptance, the performance bank
 +   guarantee, and the signed contract.
 +
 +4. The current status of work, including any extensions of time, penalty
 +   orders, or revised payment schedules.
 +</code>
 +
 +==== 4. Payment records under a specific contract ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Certified copy of every Running Account bill and Final bill passed under
 +   contract number [contract reference] dated [date] between [start date]
 +   and [end date].
 +
 +2. The measurement book entries corresponding to each bill.
 +
 +3. The list of variations ordered, with the approving authority and date.
 +</code>
 +
 +===== File notings and policy files =====
 +
 +==== 5. File noting on your own matter ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Certified copy of the complete file noting on file number [file number]
 +   relating to [describe subject], between the date of first entry and the
 +   date of final order.
 +
 +2. Certified copy of the order passed on the file, with any annexures.
 +
 +File notings are disclosable under Section 2(f); see //CBSE v. Aditya
 +Bandopadhyay//, (2011) 8 SCC 497.
 +</code>
 +
 +==== 6. Policy file on a specific decision ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Certified copy of the file noting and all documents placed on file
 +   number [file number] of the [department] leading to the issue of
 +   [name of notification/circular/order] dated [date].
 +
 +2. The list of officers who processed the file, with designations and
 +   dates of noting.
 +
 +Section 8(2) public interest override is pleaded: the resulting policy is
 +of general application and its underlying reasoning is a matter of public
 +accountability.
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Vigilance and complaints =====
 +
 +==== 7. Your own vigilance complaint ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. The file noting and the action taken report on complaint number
 +   [complaint reference] dated [date] filed by me with the Vigilance
 +   Officer of [organisation].
 +
 +2. The current status of the complaint and the name and designation of
 +   the dealing officer.
 +
 +3. If the complaint has been closed, the date of closure and the closure
 +   order.
 +</code>
 +
 +==== 8. Aggregate vigilance data (no individual names) ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. The total number of complaints registered under the [applicable conduct
 +   rules] in the [department] between [start date] and [end date].
 +
 +2. Of these, the number where enquiry was ordered, the number where the
 +   Article 311 process was initiated, and the number where penalty was
 +   imposed.
 +
 +3. A subject-wise classification of the above (corruption, absenteeism,
 +   conflict of interest, other).
 +
 +No individual officer's name is sought.
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Public works and local bodies =====
 +
 +==== 9. A specific public works project ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Certified copy of the administrative approval, technical sanction, and
 +   expenditure sanction for project [name] in [ward/block/district].
 +
 +2. The list of works executed under the project with contractor name,
 +   date of start, date of completion, and total payment.
 +
 +3. Copies of the last three monthly progress reports and the joint
 +   measurement report.
 +</code>
 +
 +==== 10. Local-body works in your area ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Details of works sanctioned and executed by [municipal corporation/
 +   panchayat] in [ward number/gram-panchayat name] between [start date]
 +   and [end date], covering:
 +     a. Name of work
 +     b. Sanctioned amount
 +     c. Actual expenditure
 +     d. Contractor name
 +     e. Date of start and date of completion
 +     f. Certifying officer
 +
 +2. Copies of the joint measurement reports and payment vouchers for each
 +   work.
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Passport, EPF, ration card, pension =====
 +
 +==== 11. Your own Central-government claim ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Certified copy of the file noting and any rejection or deficiency memo
 +   on my application number [reference number] dated [date] filed at the
 +   [Passport/EPF/Pension] office.
 +
 +2. The name and designation of the officer to whom the file currently
 +   stands marked, and the date of last entry on the file.
 +
 +3. If the claim has been rejected, certified copy of the rejection order.
 +</code>
 +
 +==== 12. Status and ageing of pending claims ====
 +
 +<code>
 +1. The number of [Passport/EPF/Pension] applications received by this
 +   office between [start date] and [end date].
 +
 +2. Of these, the number currently pending beyond thirty days, beyond
 +   sixty days, and beyond ninety days.
 +
 +3. The officer-wise distribution of pending claims.
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Formatting checklist =====
 +
 +Before filing, verify:
 +
 +  * **One request per sub-paragraph**, numbered 1, 2, 3.
 +  * **Period confined** — no "last few years"; use exact dates.
 +  * **Named file**, not generic "all files".
 +  * **Documents requested**, not explanations.
 +  * **Fee stated** — "Rs 10 by IPO" or "paid online".
 +  * **Citizen declaration** — "I am a citizen of India."
 +  * **Signature** and date.
 +
 +===== Related on this site =====
 +
 +  * [[:file-rti-online-india|How to File RTI Online in India — 2026 step-by-step]].
 +  * [[:why-rti-gets-rejected|Why RTI Applications Get Rejected — and How to Avoid It]].
 +  * [[:faq|FAQ — twenty-five most-asked RTI questions]].
 +  * [[:rtionline-gov-in|Navigating rtionline.gov.in — portal walkthrough]].
 +  * [[:state-vs-central-rti|State RTI vs Central RTI]].
 +  * [[templates:first-rti|Template: first RTI application]].
 +  * [[templates:first-appeal|Template: first appeal]].
 +  * [[templates:second-appeal|Template: second appeal]].
 +  * [[guide:applicant:application:sample:start|Sample RTI applications — thirty-plus drafts]].
 +  * [[blog:pio-reply-section-8-1-j-after-dpdp-2025|PIO reply after DPDP Rules, 2025]].
 +
 +===== Sources =====
 +
 +  - The Right to Information Act, 2005 (No. 22 of 2005), Sections 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 19, 20.
 +  - The Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005.
 +  - The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, notified 14 November 2025.
 +  - //Central Board of Secondary Education v. Aditya Bandopadhyay//, (2011) 8 SCC 497.
 +
 +===== Last reviewed on =====
 +
 +20 April 2026
 +
 +{{tag>rti query-builder drafting templates sample-queries applicant 2026}}
  
Was this page helpful?
rti-query-builder.txt · Last modified: by 127.0.0.1