Vadavannur
Grama Panchayat

Right to Information (RTI)

A description of the Right to Information Act (RTI) is provided below in three sections:

What is the Right to Information Act?

The Right to Information Act (RTI) was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2005 to bring transparency to government functioning and make official information accessible to the public, as part of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution. Under this law, every Indian citizen has the legal right to request official information from public authorities under the Central and State Governments, as well as other agencies receiving government funding. This Act plays a vital role in eradicating corruption and ensuring citizen participation in the democratic process.

How to Request Information?

Any individual can access information through a very simple application. An application can be submitted—either handwritten or typed on plain paper—clearly detailing the required information, to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned office. There is also a facility to apply online for Central Government offices. A prescribed fee (normally ₹10 in Kerala) must be remitted along with the application as a Court Fee Stamp or Demand Draft. However, applicants belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are exempt from this fee.

Timeframe for Receiving Replies

Under normal circumstances, the designated officer must provide a reply to the applicant within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application. However, if the requested information concerns the life or liberty of an individual, the reply must be provided within 48 hours. If the information is not provided within the specified timeframe or if false information is supplied, the Information Commission has the authority to initiate disciplinary action, including imposing penalties on the officer concerned. Certain confidential information affecting the security and sovereignty of the nation is exempted from the purview of this Act.

The following officers have been designated under current statutory schedules to process, evaluate, and handle RTI applications and subsequent appeals:

First Appellate Authority (FAA)

Shri Manoj S

Assistant Director, Local Self Government Department, Palakkad

Civil Station, Kenathuparambu, Kunnathurmedu, Palakkad – 678001

Phone: 0491-2505155

Email: jdlsgdpkd1@gmail.com

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Smt. Renukadevi R

Secretary, Vadavannur Grama Panchayat Office

Vadavannur (PO), Palakkad (Dist) – 678504

Phone: 9496047237

Email: ddpvadavanoorpkd@gmail.com

Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO)

Smt. Najela M

Head Clerk, Vadavannur Grama Panchayat Office

Vadavannur (PO), Palakkad (Dist) – 678504

Phone: 9496047237

Email: ddpvadavanoorpkd@gmail.com