GUIDELINES FOR INSPECTION UNDER RTI

GUIDELINES FOR INSPECTION UNDER RTI 1. Even if you do not desire to carry out actual inspection of records, invariably make a request as under in RTI application: “After receipt of information under this application, I intend to carry out actual inspection of records and obtain certified photocopies of records identified by me during inspection. I may be permitted such inspection.” This will have deterring effect on PIO against providing false information. 2. If you are not very conversant with language of record or have any other disability, please also add following sentence in RTI application: “I may also be permitted to seek assistance of one of my assistant/advocate/C.A. during inspection, as I am not fully conversant with the language in which your records are maintained. [refer decision dated 15-10-08 of Central Information Commission in appeal No. CIC/WB/A/2007/00692-SM]” 3. When you get permission for inspection from PIO, FAA or Information Commissioner, send a letter by speed post to PIO stating list of records that you would like to inspect. Please also mention three tentative dates with time which would be convenient to you and also seek exact name, address, email ID and phone number of PIO. 4. On appointed day, visit the office well before fixed time with your assistant [if permitted] and with copy of relevant decision, photocopy of your photo ID proof [election card, PAN card, passport etc], digital camera, mobile [with recording facility], blank papers, carbon papers, note pad, blank CD, 20-25 paper flaps [ for putting in registers or files to identify papers], pen, pencil, copy of RTI Act and Rules etc. 5. Please make note of your visit and that of your assistant in register maintained at entry point or reception as now most of govt. offices are having such register. This will be proof of your visit at the fixed date and time. 6. Contact the PIO and request for inspection. 7. Ask PIO to prepare inspection slip for noting down date and time etc of commencing inspection and ending inspection and payment of inspection charges. Some offices have register for these details. If he insists that charges be paid in advance before commencing inspection as per tentative hours required for inspection, pay the amount against receipt and then start inspection. 8. Please insist that PIO or any other person from office should be present with you during inspection. 9. In case if sitting arrangement, lighting and air in the room are not conducive to inspection, inform PIO orally and in writing [if need be], with time and date. 10. Start inspection and whatever record you find worth obtaining certified photocopies, use your digital camera and put a paper flap. 11. Go on making notings in your note pad of what ever is necessary from record with page number and name of register or file etc. 12. In case despite all efforts you are not in a position to inspect, give in writing to PIO all the reasons and obtain his acknowledgement on copy then and there. Also inform personally or on phone to FAA. 13. If you need data from computers, ask PIO to provide assistance of office staff for accessing computer data. Note down details so that required information can be obtained in a CD. Do not operate office computer yourself. 14. Whenever you talk to PIO keep the audio recorder on in your mobile and ensure that conversation is recorded. 15. At the end of inspection or during it ask PIO that you need certified photocopies of record where flaps are kept and collect the same before leaving the office. 16. Once you end inspection, make entry into inspection slip or register with problems faced by you if any or that you want to continue inspection on next date. Put date and time and pay or seek refund of balance of inspection fees. Pay as per RTI rules applicable for central govt. or state govt. rules for inspection as the case may be. 17. In case certified copies or CDs are not provided before leaving the office, give a written request [against acknowledgement] with page numbers of record etc to PIO for certified copy. 18. Be cool, collected and courteous during entire visit and inspection. Thank all the staff and PIO if they have cooperated with you for inspection. 19. Do not write any thing on govt. record. 20. Next week mail a list of papers you require from PIO which have been identified by you during inspection, as a reminder. Pay the charges if papers are provided within 30 days of submission of RTI application. 21. If you face serious difficulties in inspection, file detailed written complaint with FAA or Information Commissioner [with copy to PIO in his name] and request for appropriate orders to facilitate proper inspection. 22. CIC has permitted videography and photography during inspection in following two decisions: CIC/WB/A/2006/00144 decision dated 03-08-2006 and CIC/AD/A/09/00125 dated 23-02- 2009 23. Please also visit http://www.rtigateway.org.in/Documents/Publications/Audit_of_Section_41b_Disclosure-A_Framework.pdf Happy officially inspecting of govt. records by a common citizen under RTI.