Right to Information Act
Right to Information Act, 2005
The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) provides Indian citizens with the right to obtain information held by public authorities. In Kerala, the provisions of the RTI Act apply to Local Self Government Institutions, including Grama Panchayats.
The objective of the Right to Information system is to promote transparency, accountability and citizen participation in local governance.
Kumbadaje Grama Panchayat is committed to providing information to citizens in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005 and the rules and instructions issued by the Government from time to time.
Information that can be obtained
Citizens may seek information available with the Grama Panchayat, subject to the provisions and exemptions under the RTI Act.
Information may include:
- Panchayat resolutions and decisions
- Government Orders, circulars and official instructions
- Details of development projects and public works
- Details of Panchayat schemes and programmes
- Budget and expenditure-related information
- Details of utilisation of public funds
- Records and documents maintained by the Panchayat
- Details relating to licences and permits
- Information relating to public services
- Certified copies of records and documents
- Information available in electronic form
- Inspection of records and documents, wherever permitted
- Other information available with the Panchayat under the provisions of the RTI Act
RTI Officers of Kumbadaje Grama Panchayat
The Local Self Government Department has designated the following authorities for Grama Panchayats under the Right to Information system.
| Sl. No. | Authority | Name / Designation | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public Information Officer (PIO) | Secretary, Kumbadaje Grama Panchayat<br>Abdul Gafoor M C K | 📞 9496049705 |
| 2 | Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) | Junior Superintendent / Head Clerk / Senior UD Clerk<br>Arun R | 📞 9446364780 |
| 3 | First Appellate Authority | Joseph M. Chacko<br>Assistant Director of Panchayat<br>Office of the District Joint Director, Local Self Government Department, Kasaragod | —<br> |
How to submit an RTI application
A citizen seeking information from Kumbadaje Grama Panchayat may submit an RTI application to the Public Information Officer (PIO), Kumbadaje Grama Panchayat.
The application should clearly specify the information required and provide sufficient details to enable the Panchayat to identify the relevant records.
The applicant is generally not required to state the reason for seeking information.
Applications should be submitted in accordance with the Right to Information Act, 2005 and the applicable Kerala RTI Rules.
Time limit for providing information
Under the RTI Act, information is generally required to be provided within 30 days from the receipt of the application by the concerned public authority.
Where the information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, the Act provides for a shorter period of 48 hours.
The applicable statutory provisions and exemptions under the RTI Act will apply to each request.
Information exempt from disclosure
The Right to Information is subject to the exemptions provided under the RTI Act.
Certain information may not be disclosed where it falls within the categories of information exempted under the Act, including information relating to national security, confidential matters, investigations, personal information and other protected interests specified by law.
Accordingly, every RTI request will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
First Appeal
If the applicant:
- does not receive the requested information within the prescribed time;
- receives information that is incomplete or unsatisfactory; or
- receives a decision refusing access to information,
the applicant may exercise the right of First Appeal under the RTI Act before the designated First Appellate Authority.
For Grama Panchayats in Kerala, the LSGD identifies the Panchayat Deputy Director as the Appellate Authority.
Second Appeal / Complaint
Where an applicant is not satisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, the applicant may approach the Kerala State Information Commission in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act.
The Kerala State Information Commission provides online facilities for filing appeal/complaint petitions and for tracking their status.
Useful RTI Links
Kerala Local Self Government Department – RTI
Information relating to the Right to Information system in Kerala's Local Self Government Institutions.
Visit:
https://lsgkerala.gov.in/en/resources/rti
RTI Officers – Local Self Government Department
Details of Public Information Officers, Assistant Public Information Officers and Appellate Authorities designated under the LSGD.
Visit:
https://lsgkerala.gov.in/en/resources/rti/public-information-officers
Kerala RTI Online Portal
The Kerala RTI Online Portal provides online facilities for submitting RTI applications to participating authorities, making the prescribed fee payment and filing appeals where the facility is available. Applicants can also track the status of online applications.
Visit:
https://rtionline.kerala.gov.in/
Kerala State Information Commission
The Kerala State Information Commission provides facilities for filing and tracking appeal/complaint petitions and accessing Commission orders.
Visit:
https://rti.sic.kerala.gov.in/
RTI Act, 2005 – India Code
The complete text of the Right to Information Act, 2005 is available through the Government of India's India Code portal.
